Legendary coach visiting ex-Duke basketball signee Mackenzie Mgbako

More suitors may be emerging for Duke basketball's one-time top 2023 prize.

As a McDonald's All-American and the highest-ranked undecided prospect at No. 7 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite, there's no doubt Roselle Catholic (N.J.) small forward Mackenzie Mgbako has seen plenty of interest since asking the Duke basketball program for a release from his national letter of intent last week.

According to many insiders, Louisville feels like the frontrunner with former Duke basketball national champ and assistant Nolan Smith on staff. But the pro route (G League Select or Overtime Elite) might be in play. Even some UNC chatter appeared following the 6-foot-8, 210-pound versatile five-star's farewell to the Blue Devils.

And first-year St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, a Hall of Famer who guided Kentucky to a national championship in 1996 and led Louisville to the 2013 title*, also seems to be in the mix.

According to a tweet from Cerebro Sports' Andrew Slater, Pitino made plans to visit Mgbako on Monday.

As with Louisville, St. John's, which hasn't reached the NCAA Tournament since 2019 and is coming off a disappointing 18-15 campaign, could entice Mgbako by offering to make him a roster centerpiece. His addition to the Red Storm would likely equate to them being contenders for the Big East crown next season.

Big performance by Mackenzie Mgbako at Nike Hoop Summit 22 points 9 rebounds 🔥 made shots and showcased some plays off the dribble in the middy.. also had a lob pic.twitter.com/AY5N3tDAPQ

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) April 9, 2023

On that note, it's worth mentioning that billionaire Mike Repole, a St. John's alum, said he would return to being a program benefactor if Pitino became the head coach. So one would think his support might now include the NIL collective, Storm Marketing. 

Meanwhile, there's no definitive timeline on when Mackenzie Mgbako will choose a destination.

If he ends up at Louisville, he would be in Cameron Indoor Stadium next season as a member of the visiting squad, for the ACC scheduling matrix has the Cardinals slated to play the Blue Devils both home and away. And, of course, the same is true for UNC.

Although Duke basketball hasn't finalized its non-conference schedule, it's unlikely the Blue Devils will face Pitino's Red Storm.

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