Where Indiana's Kel'el Ware, Mackenzie Mgbako Appear in Recent 2024 NBA Mock Drafts

Indiana center Kel'el Ware and wing Mackenzie Mgbako have been two of the Hoosiers' top scorers this season, and they're being considered for the 2024 NBA draft. Here's a look at their placement on various mock drafts.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana is approaching the midway point of Big Ten play, and a few Hoosiers are making their case for the 2024 NBA draft.

Sophomore center Kel'el Ware has made major improvements since his freshman year at Oregon. After scoring just 6.6 points per game last year, he's averaging 14.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 blocks per game for the Hoosiers. Ware is shooting 54.5% from the field, 67.6% free throw line and 41.7% from 3-point range on 24 attempts through 17 games.

Mackenzie Mgbako committed to the Hoosiers as a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, and some considered him a first-round pick before suiting up for his first college game. Mgbako had a slow start to his freshman season, shooting 32% from the field in his first five games and struggling on the defensive end.

But recently, Mgbako has been one of Indiana's top scorers. He's averaging 12.9 points over the last 14 games and shooting 47.4% from 3-point range in his last eight games. Still, Mgbako's NBA draft stock remains in question, according to the various mock drafts listed below.

Here's a look at where Ware and Mgbako are projected to go in the 2024 NBA draft, including player analysis. Click on the site name to see the full mock draft.

Yahoo! Sports, Jan. 22 – No. 22 New York Knicks: Kel'el Ware

• "Ware has been significantly more assertive this year on the block and has been a player Indiana targets a lot in high-low situations and in the pick-and-pop. Ware is averaging 14.2 points and 9.4 rebounds for the Hoosiers, and scouts are taking note of his bounce back after a disappointing freshman season at Oregon."

ESPN, Jan. 11 – No. 24 Milwaukee Bucks: Kel'el Ware

• "To Ware's credit, he's been productive this season while playing under a microscope at Indiana, handling significant minutes and showcasing the length and mobility that have always made him interesting. However, he hasn't fared well in his most difficult matchups against some of college basketball's better bigs, including Clingan and Kansas' Hunter Dickinson. The biggest on-court question for Ware will be proving he can handle that level of physicality, a challenge he'll continue to face nightly in the Big Ten, particularly with two regular-season games remaining against Zach Edey and Purdue. Ware's languid motor has been somewhat improved, but finding ways to help drive winning and embracing more of the dirty work would help solidify him as a first-round worthy developmental pick." -- Jeremy Woo

Bleacher Report, Jan. 18 – No. 24 Oklahoma City Thunder: Kel'el Ware

• Stock status: Down
• Previous mock draft spot: 22
• Pro comparison: Chimezie Metu
• "Kel'el Ware's size, finishing and shot-blocking tools and shot-making skill level have screamed lottery talent for years. Questions about his consistency and toughness continue to linger, though. While some teams may not have confidence in his fluctuating presence for a second-year player, others may see too much talent to pass on outside the lottery. Ware figures to win some teams back during workouts, where he's bound to impress with how easily he gets above the rim and releases threes."

Yardbarker, Jan. 23 – No. 17 New York Knicks: Kel'el Ware

• Previously: 14
• Pro comparison: Mitchell Robinson
• "Originally expected to be a one-and-done at Oregon, Kel'el Ware fell out of favor with the Ducks and was maddeningly inconsistent. Instead of declaring for the draft, falling to the second round and spending this season in the G-League, he smartly transferred to Indiana where his minutes and production have more than doubled. Ware has some of the most impressive blocked shots you will ever see, plus the ability to be a rim-runner and occasional threat from the three-point line. He'd make for a understudy to, and eventual replacement, for Mitchell Robinson."

SB Nation, Jan. 18 – No. 19 New York Knicks: Kel'el Ware

• "Ware was an elite recruit who got lost within a deep Oregon front court as a freshman. His transfer to Indiana has given him the opportunity and mentorship he’s needed to become one of the top centers in college basketball. Ware is a long and mobile 7-footer who can finish plays above the rim and has solid touch on his jumper. The biggest question mark has always been his motor, but he’s been playing harder under head coach Mike Woodson in Bloomington. Indiana’s total lack of shooting and spacing around Ware makes you wonder how effective he’d be in a better situation. If Ware can show teams he’s capable of being a stretch five — he’s 10-for-24 (41.7 percent) from three this year — he should push toward the lottery. His talent is evident, but he’ll have to overcome his reputation for occasional loafing."

FanSided, Jan. 18 – No. 8 San Antonio Spurs: Kel'el Ware

• "Kel'el Ware has blossomed in his sophomore season. He's one of the top shot-blockers in college basketball with the ideal skill set for the modern five. Ware is a bouncy 7-footer who plays comfortably above the rim. His 3s are more sporadic than one might like, but Ware has touch on jumpers and in-between shots. There are physicality concerns tied to his thin frame, but Ware is a fluid athlete with major two-way upside in a weak class. NBA teams will surely streamline Ware's responsibilities early on. He should feast on lobs and easy finishes. He can run the court like a gazelle in transition. On the defensive end, his mobility in space and high-level instincts make him adaptable to different schemes. The Spurs pair Ware and Wembanyama in the frontcourt, betting on their ability to cover ground and contribute in different areas of the floor offensively. With Dillingham at the controls, suddenly San Antonio looks more balanced and far more intimidating."

NBA Draft Room, Jan. 23 – No. 50 Indiana Pacers: Kel'el Ware

• Comparison: Jarrett Allen, Lorenzen Wright
• "Ware has all the talent in the world but it only shows in flashes. Has all the tools but could be a few years away from impacting an NBA game."

HoopsHype, Jan. 8 – No. 23 Kel'el Ware

• Previous rank: 27 (+4) / Best rank: 12 / Worst rank: NR
• After transferring from Oregon, Kel’el Ware has seen double the playing time and has shown statistical improvement across the board at Indiana under former NBA coach Mike Woodson. “Ware reminds me of Christian Wood,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s long and can shoot.” Ware’s athleticism, shot blocking, and floor spacing intrigue NBA teams for his size, while his inconsistent motor and toughness have been questioned the most.

HoopsHype, Jan. 8 – No. 50 Mackenzie Mgbako

• Previous rank: 34 (-16) / Best rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR
• Mackenzie Mgbako was considered one of the top recruits of his class before decommitting from Duke to join Indiana for his freshman season. After struggling in his first five games, Mgbako has begun to show flashes of why he was highly touted. From November 26 through December 29, Mgbako averaged 13.1 points on 44 percent shooting and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc with 5.5 rebounds, including earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. “I think Mgbako is more of a four than a three,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. “He’s only 6-foot-8. He’s not athletic enough and doesn’t have a wiggle to beat you off the dribble.”

Relate stories on Indiana basketball

• WARE INJURY UPDATE: Starting center Kel'el Ware missed the Hoosiers' most recent game at Wisconsin on Friday, but Indiana coach Mike Woodson is optimistic he'll return soon. CLICK HERE
• FISCHER EXPLAINS COMMENTS: After Indiana guard CJ Gunn was ejected from Friday's game at Wisconsin, a 91-79 loss and the second Hoosier ejection in four games, play-by-play announcer Don Fischer said, "I am embarrassed for this ball club. Not because of the score." Fischer joined the 107.5 The Fan radio show with Jake Query on Monday afternoon to further explain his comments. CLICK HERE
• IU LACKS TOURNAMENT-WORTHY RESUME: Following a 91-79 loss at Wisconsin on Friday, Indiana fell to 0-6 against Quad 1 opponents and No. 99 in the NET rankings, an important metric used by the NCAA Tournament committee. The Hoosiers don't have a resume worthy of making the tournament now, and time is running out to change that. CLICK HERE
• GAME STORY: Indiana got blown out again on the road, losing 91-79 to Wisconsin with plenty of defensive breakdowns. Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit shredded the Hoosiers’ defense for 26 points and five 3-pointers, and CJ Gunn lost his composure and was ejected for elbowing Klesmit in the chin. CLICK HERE