Texas A&M’s Bucky McMillan Secures Commitment from Star Transfer Mackenzie Mgbako

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M University men’s basketball coach Bucky McMillan has made significant strides in bolstering his roster by securing a commitment from former Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Mgbako. A five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Mgbako visited the Aggies ahead of making his decision, adding a considerable talent to a team in transition.

Before joining the Aggies, Mgbako played two seasons at Indiana under head coach Mike Woodson, where he started 64 out of 65 games and averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He notably scored a career-high 31 points in a season-opening victory over SIU Edwardsville and contributed 25 points during the Battle 4 Atlantis against Providence.

The announcement of Mgbako’s commitment comes as a surprise; initially, N.C. State and new head coach Will Wade were viewed as the frontrunners for his talent. However, McMillan’s recruiting efforts have demonstrated a promising start for the Aggies, who also recently signed North Alabama guard Jacari Lane from the transfer portal.

McMillan, hired just weeks ago, acknowledged the challenges in building a competitive roster on short notice. “I mean, taking over a program in April and having just one player I know sounds crazy,” he stated. “But that’s not an excuse or anything, I’m just telling the facts of college basketball. We’re going to have to get to work immediately.”

With Mgbako’s talent and scoring ability, he will become a focal point for the Aggies as they prepare to contend in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team’s recruiting efforts must continue as they aim to solidify a roster that, according to projections, will be severely tested during the upcoming season.

Out of 79 high-major college basketball teams, only 19 are set to bring back multiple double-digit scorers, highlighting the competitive landscape of the current free agency era in college sports. McMillan’s recruitment marks an important milestone as the Aggies begin to navigate this challenging environment.

As the deadline to enter the transfer portal rapidly approaches, the Aggies’ coaching staff is expected to be active in further enhancing the team’s capabilities. The upcoming months will be crucial as McMillan works to finalize his roster for the new season and establish a program that competes at a high level.