Blue Devil Country

Mackenzie Mgbako No Threat to Duke Basketball's Top Ranking

The 2023-24 Duke basketball squad still looks safe atop preseason rankings.

Matt Giles

Mackenzie Mgbako No Threat to Duke Basketball's Top Ranking
Mackenzie Mgbako No Threat to Duke Basketball's Top Ranking /
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In the latest way-too-early top 25 from ESPN's Jeff Borzello, Duke basketball sits No. 1, as has been the case on most such rankings in the four weeks since Kyle Filipowski announced his return for a sophomore campaign. Borzello bumped Kansas four spots to No. 2 due to its recent commitment from top transfer Hunter Dickinson.

RELATED: Ranking Projects Three-Guard Duke Starting Lineup

Then ex-Duke basketball signee Mackenzie Mgbako, who asked out of his national letter of intent the same day Filipowski delivered his news to Blue Devil fans, had Kansas as one of his two finalists. However, on Friday evening, he revealed his commitment to his other finalist, Indiana.

The Hoosiers do not appear in Borzello's top 25.

Perhaps Kansas would have overtaken Duke for the top spot on preseason rankings had Mgbako committed to the Jayhawks. After all, he's a McDonald's All-American, and the 6-foot-8, 210-pound versatile forward out of Roselle Catholic (N.J.) has all the tools to be one of the premier freshmen in the country next season.

Initially, Mgbako planned to visit Louisville this weekend. But he canceled that trip earlier this week and scheduled his announcement.

As for Duke basketball's 2023 haul, it remains four deep. All four future Blue Devils are composite five-star prospects: Montverde (Fla.) power forward Sean Stewart, Worcester (Mass.) combo forward TJ Power, Centennial (Calif.) combo guard Jared McCain, and Notre Dame (Calif.) point guard Caleb Foster.

RELATED: Two Duke Signees Now Rank Above Mackenzie Mgbako

And Jon Scheyer's roster construction for his second year at the helm may not be complete. Not only could Jeremy Roach withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return for a senior year, but the Blue Devils might add a big man via the transfer portal.

Oddly enough, one potential target is former Kansas center Ernest Udeh Jr.

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

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Matt Giles
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.

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