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Mackenzie Mgbako introduced he requested to be launched from his letter of intent with Duke.
“Whereas I’ve nice appreciation and respect for the Duke teaching workers and followers for his or her curiosity in me, I really feel that there shall be different locations for me to proceed my basketball journey, so I shall be re-opening the recruiting course of to all colleges ,” he stated.
Mackenzie Mgbako @MackenzieMgbako
Mgbako is the No. 7 overall player and No. 2 power forwards in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the 2023 class.
His announcement comes after Kyle Filipowski stated he is returning to Duke for his sophomore season:
Kyle “Flip” Filipowski @kylefilipowski
Respect my resolution‼️ pic.twitter.com/qFxB7PefDI
The Blue Devils signed 4 different 5-star prospects: energy forwards Sean Stewart and TJ Energy and combo guards Jared McCain and Caleb Foster. Second-year head coach Jon Scheyer nonetheless has plenty of expertise coming to Durham subsequent season.
The timing of Mgbako’s reversal meant Scheyer and his workers couldn’t simply exit and discover a alternative on the similar degree. Bronny James (No. 35) is the highest-ranked recruit in 247Sports’ composite rankings who stays uncommitted, and the Los Angeles Occasions‘ Luca Evans reported in January he has narrowed his favorites to Ohio State, Oregon and USC.
The Athletic’s Brendan Marks posited Duke may strengthen its frontcourt by way of one other avenue:
Brendan Marks @BrendanRMarks
As I used to be saying…
Additionally key to notice: Mgbako reopening his dedication means Duke has an accessible scholarship, which he beforehand didn’t. Blue Devils have been looking for an enormous man/rim protector within the switch portal. https://t.co/xUHEH5FwnE
As for Mgbako, it’s unclear whether there’s a program he has his eyes on. He might even opt for an alternate pathway to the NBA, such as the G League Ignite or Overtime Elite.
Last April, On3’s Joe Tipton reported Duke, Kentucky, Memphis and Ohio State had emerged because the New Jersey resident’s finalists forward of his eventual dedication to the Blue Devils. Contemplating greater than a yr has handed since then, the pool of candidates has in all probability prolonged past the Wildcats, Tigers and Buckeyes.