Future Duke basketball forward returns from injury

Heralded Duke basketball signee Mackenzie Mgbako looks ready to soar again.

Matt Giles | Feb 28, 2023

Future Duke basketball forward returns from injury /

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Roselle Catholic (N.J.) five-star Mackenzie Mgbako, the highest-ranked 2023 Duke basketball prize, suffered a left ankle injury in late January. At the time, many feared it was a break or tear.

Fortunately, it ended up being just a sprain. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-8, 210-pound small forward, who ranks No. 7 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite and whose pro-like game and lengthy frame bring to mind 2003-04 Duke one-and-done Luol Deng, missed almost a month of action amid his impressive senior campaign.

But his return on Monday night indicated all is well again for the 18-year-old future Blue Devil, a teammate to a 2023 UNC signee in four-star Simeon Wilcher. Mgbako tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists off the bench in No. 4 seed Roselle Catholic's playoff victory over No. 1 seed St. Thomas Aquinas.

Game just ended in North Edison with @MackenzieMgbako wrapping up a 90-72 victory for 4th seeded @rc_basketball over top seeded @stahstrojans in Non-Public B North Semis with this trey. #njhoops #gmchoops pic.twitter.com/DfAZdx3t2O
— GMC Hoops (@gmchoops) February 28, 2023

Mgbako, Wilcher, and Roselle Catholic face No. 6 seed Montclair Immaculate for the sectional title at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Despite the injury setback, Mackenzie Mgbako did enough this season to earn a spot on the East roster for the McDonald's All-American Game on March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Two more of Duke basketball's five five-star signees earned that prestigious honor: Montverde Academy (Fla.) power forward Sean Stewart and Centennial (Calif.) combo guard Jared McCain. Stewart, who boasts a No. 13 composite ranking, will play alongside Mgbako for the East. And McCain, who ranks No. 15, will play for the West.

The other members of Jon Scheyer's second recruiting haul as a head coach are Notre Dame (Calif.) point guard Caleb Foster (ranks No. 17) and Worcester Academy (Mass.) power forward TJ Power (No. 20).

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

Published Feb 28, 2023

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.