Duke basketball: Blue Devils showing interest in intriguing recruit

A top-notch prospect has recently attracted some Duke basketball attention.

In describing his repertoire to Stock Risers recruiting insider Jake Weingarten this weekend, Gill St. Bernard’s School (N.J.) sophomore small forward Mackenzie Mgbako brought up the name of former Duke basketball one-and-done sensation and two-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum:

“I would describe my game as a versatile wing…able to impact the game on all three levels. Defensively and offensively, I try to make my presence known. I try to replicate some of my game from Jayson Tatum and how he creates shots for himself and teammates.”

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The 6-foot-8, 185-pound lengthy five-star, who currently sits No. 10 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite and already holds more than a half-dozen offers, also told Weingarten that he seems to now be on the Blue Devils’ radar:

“New school that has been in contact with me is Duke.”

Mgbako listed Auburn, Georgetown, and UCLA as recent inquirers as well, but he did note that no programs are in heavy pursuit right now due to the NCAA’s ongoing restrictions when it comes to in-person visits (recently extended the recruiting dead period through May 31).

Jake Weingarten’s take on the Duke basketball recruiting prospect

Based on the following brief scouting report from Jake Weingarten, Mackenzie Mgbako ought to have no problem keeping his lofty composite ranking as he further develops his game and competes against the nation’s best in AAU play across the next couple of years:

“Mgbako is a double-double threat every time he touches the floor. A perimeter threat, Mgbako has a fluid shot from behind the arc…with his great versatility, teams also have to be aware of his skill in the paint as well.”

At this point, there have been no reports of any Duke basketball offers to the deep collection of 2023 talents.

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