It’s been a busy Tuesday around the Atlantic Coast Conference with both North Carolina and NC State landing commitments out of the transfer portal. In addition, Duke star forward Kyle Filipowski announced his return for another year.
With Duke getting Filipowski back, the Blue Devils should be the preseason favorites. However, it came at a price.
Moments after Filipowski announced his decision, five-star commit Mackenzie Mgbako asked out of his letter of intent and wants to re-open his recruitment. With Filipowski coming back, he will take playing time away from others. Given Duke has a top class coming in, it makes sense that Mgbako wants to recommit.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
Mgbako is one of the top players in the 2023 class and should have a large number of suitors again. That includes North Carolina per a report from Jack Pilgrim of Kentucky Sports Radio who says Louisville will be involved and North Carolina is looming:
Kentucky is not expected to be involved for Duke signee Mackenzie Mgbako, sources tell KSR.
John Calipari exploring veteran options to complement five-man recruiting class in 2023
Expect Louisville to make a push with North Carolina looming, as well.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) April 11, 2023
The other thing to note is Kentucky is reportedly out of the pursuit for Mgbako, which eliminates one blue blood.
For North Carolina, it make sense to pursue Mgbako given its roster needs. They may get some help in the recruitment as well.
UNC 2023 commit Simeon Wilcher is a teammate of Mgbako at Roselle Catholic, so that could help. While nothing has developed, this is a recruitment to watch.
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