Louisville basketball: Transfer portal update. Who’s trending to the Cardinals? Vol. 6

Mackenzie Mgbako – Forward – 6’8″ – Class of 2023

Mackenzie Mgbako is one of two players expected to visit Louisville soon. But earlier in the week, news broke that Mgbako is visiting St. John’s.

The tweet from Jon Rothstein, and then reports of a visit to Kansas nearly set Louisville Twitter ablaze. Many, including myself, were left wondering why the staff wasn’t getting the top-ten talent on campus, and it appeared like Louisville was falling behind in a race that was once considered theirs to lose.

But, within the hour, Adam Zagoria, riding high from a cloud in heaven, sent out this magnificent tweet that allowed all in the Derby City to rest easy.

LOUISVILLE IS GETTING A VISIT TOO!!

An incredible piece of news to come out, giving hope to Louisville fans that Mgbako may still be within our grasp. It stinks to see three other schools in the running, but it’s nice to know that Louisville will be given an opportunity to show off our incredible city to this highly touted recruit.

I told myself I wasn’t going to sit down and watch Mgbako’s full games until Louisville seemed like the likely landing spot, but I broke down earlier this week and watched three of his games, and I was impressed.

Mgbako had an NBA-ready game as a senior in high school. He’s got mid-range post moves, a deep three-point shot, and he’s incredibly tenacious on the boards, and as a shot blocker.

There’s a reason this kid is a consensus top-ten player in his class and an expected future lottery pick. However, he does have some weaknesses, though.

At times, his shot selection is bad. He also doesn’t have the fastest feet. That hurts him guarding the perimeter and when he attempts to drive past his defender. But, every player has flaws, and Mgbako’s strengths far outweigh those weaknesses.

So far, we know when his visit to St. John’s will happen. That will take place this weekend. He’s also expected to visit Indiana next weekend. I’m hopeful Louisville will get the last visit that he takes. Stay tuned to find out when that will be.