New Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan landed eight players from the transfer portal, led by former Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, who, on paper, is the most talented player the program has ever landed, making him an immediate starter going into the 2025 season.
However, Mgbako’s NBA dreams could come to fruition sooner than later, as his performance during the G-League Elite Camp among 45 prospects turned into an invitation to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, where he, among 74 other prospects has shined during a handful of scrimmages.
Before the Combine reaches its conclusion on Sunday, Mgbako sat down with 247Sports’ Issac Trotter to discuss why he chose Texas A&M from the transfer portal, and his impending decision to play in College Station next season or ultimately stay in the NBA Draft before the opt-out date on May 28.
During his final season with Indiana, Mgbako averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds and shot 44% from the field. However, his 3-point shooting percentage dipped to 32%, but that didn’t stop him from proving to every NBA scout in attendance this week that he can shoot from deep. Combined with his seven made 3-pointers during the G-League Elite Camp, Mgbako netted 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks while finishing 3-7 from beyond the arc.
Before his next NBA Combine scrimmage on Thursday, Mgbako praised Texas A&M’s coaching staff that Bucky McMillan has built, while the former Samford head coach’s play style was too enticing to pass up.
“Texas A&M (is a) great, great college to be at,” Mgbako statd. “I feel like it is a great atmosphere. Great fan base. Coach Bucky McMillan and (assistant) coach (Kyle) Keller, great coaches, (assistant coach) Frank Haith.
“I feel like the way they play, their style of play is amazing. Coach Bucky came from Samford having a top 10 pace in college basketball to putting it on the biggest stage in the SEC, you can’t (do) anything better.”
It certainly sounds like Mgbako is hinting towards staying committed to the Aggies, knowing that one more college season will lead to a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. Still, this is all about showcasing his skills, which he has accomplished so far this week.
“Whether I am playing the four, playing the three, maybe even playing small ball, play the two – it does not matter. I am a versatile player, (and it is) positionless basketball at this point.”
The 2025 NBA Draft will begin on June 25 and finish on June 26 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M transfer forward still uncertain if he’ll play for the Aggies in 2025
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
