Future Duke basketball player, UNC commit play for No. 1 team

Three of the top four prep squads boast a Duke basketball recruiting prize.

Matt Giles | Nov 5, 2022

Duke basketball versus UNC (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

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Roselle Catholic High School (N.J.), featuring 2023 Duke basketball commit Mackenzie Mgbako plus 2023 UNC basketball commit Simeon Wilcher, sits atop this week's preseason MaxPreps High School Basketball Rankings.

Mgbako, who transferred to Roselle from Gill St. Bernard's School (N.J.) for his senior year, is a 6-foot-8, 210-pound five-star combo forward. At No. 5 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite, he's the highest-ranked talent in Duke's five-deep, top-ranked 2023 haul.

Wilcher, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound five-star combo guard, boasts a No. 19 composite ranking. He is one of only two UNC commits on the 2023 trail and the only five-star.

Two other future Blue Devils play for a top-notch team in the eyes of MaxPreps.

At No. 3 in the country is Centennial High School (Calif.) and its Duke basketball commit in five-star combo guard Jared McCain, who individually ranks one spot above Wilcher at No. 18 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite.

Then one spot below Centennial is Paul VI High School (Va.), showcasing the sharpshooting of the most recent Blue Devil pledge in small forward Darren Harris. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound four-star ranks No. 48 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite. He's Duke's only pickup thus far among current high school juniors.

Meanwhile, in addition to Mackenzie Mgbako and Jared McCain, the 2023 Duke basketball class includes Notre Dame High School (Calif.) five-star point guard Caleb Foster, Worcester Academy (Mass.) five-star power forward TJ Power, and Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star power forward Sean Stewart.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for more Duke basketball recruiting updates.

Published Nov 5, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.