Mackenzie Mgbako: NBA Draft Pick Chooses Texas A&M
- Mackenzie mgbako, a projected second-round NBA draft pick, announced Tuesday he will withdraw from the draft and return to Texas A&M for his junior season.
- Mgbako, a former McDonald's All american, spent two seasons at Indiana, averaging 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds.After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Texas A&M but also...
- Mgbako's performance at the combine boosted his NBA prospect status.
Mackenzie Mgbako is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to Texas A&M for his junior season, choosing to refine his skills for a better draft position in the future. The McDonald’s All-American, who averaged 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds at Indiana, impressed at the G League Elite Camp and NBA draft combine. News Directory 3 has the scoop. Mgbako’s decision comes as Texas A&M undergoes a meaningful roster overhaul, welcoming Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs and several other key players. With a new coach and a bolstered roster, the Aggies are setting their sights on a accomplished SEC season and a deep NCAA tournament run. Discover what’s next for Texas A&M and their revamped lineup.
Mgbako Withdraws from NBA Draft, Focuses on Texas A&M Season
Updated May 27, 2025
Mackenzie mgbako, a projected second-round NBA draft pick, announced Tuesday he will withdraw from the draft and return to Texas A&M for his junior season. Mgbako aims to improve his game and become a first-round pick in the next NBA draft. The NCAA deadline for players to withdraw and maintain college eligibility is Wednesday.
Mgbako, a former McDonald’s All american, spent two seasons at Indiana, averaging 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds.After entering the transfer portal, he committed to Texas A&M but also explored the NBA draft, attending the G League Elite Camp and the NBA draft combine.
Mgbako’s performance at the combine boosted his NBA prospect status. He scored 41 points with 11 rebounds at the G League camp, earning an invitation to the NBA draft combine where he added 31 points and 16 rebounds. He shot 13-of-26 from 3-point range.
Texas A&M’s roster is undergoing significant changes after coach Buzz Williams’ departure for Maryland. Bucky mcmillan, formerly of Samford, was hired to replace Williams. Only Chris McDermott returns from last season’s team.
In related news, Creighton transfer Pop isaacs has committed to Texas A&M after initially choosing Houston. Isaacs, an All-Big 12 selection at Texas Tech, played eight games for Creighton last season, averaging 16.3 points before a hip injury sidelined him.
Including Isaacs, Texas A&M has added 10 players from the transfer portal, including North alabama guard Jacari Lane, Kansas wing Rylan Griffen, Texas Tech big man Federiko Federiko, NC State guard Marcus Hill, and Samford guard Joshua Holloway.
“I decided to withdraw to focus on becoming a lock first-round pick next year,” Mgbako said. “I am committed to making the improvements to my game based upon feedback from NBA teams.”
“I look forward to building off of my experiance at the combine and team workouts and translating that into a full season’s worth of basketball at Texas A&M,” Mgbako said. “I look forward to playing in Coach McMillan’s system, doing whatever is asked of me to help our team win, play in the NCAA tournament and go deep into March.”
What’s next
With Mgbako’s return and the addition of numerous transfers, including Pop Isaacs, Texas A&M aims to be a contender in the SEC under new coach Bucky McMillan. The team hopes to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.