SAD news Indiana Hoosiers player Mackenzie Mgbako decline 7.3million to leave Indiana after a miston understanding with his coach…..

Mackenzie Mgbako, a former five-star recruit and standout forward for the Indiana Hoosiers, has made headlines with his recent decision to leave the program. This move comes after a series of challenges during the 2024–25 season, including a strained relationship with then-head coach Mike Woodson and a significant decline in his performance.

Mgbako’s journey to Indiana was unconventional. His mother initiated contact with Coach Woodson, expressing interest in the program, which led to Mgbako joining the Hoosiers after decommitting from Duke . Initially, his arrival was met with high expectations, as he was considered one of the top recruits in the 2023 class.

However, the 2024–25 season proved challenging for Mgbako. His performance on the court saw a noticeable decline, particularly in conference play. He became increasingly reliant on his jump shot, attempting fewer drives to the basket. In the six games following the resumption of Big Ten play, Mgbako attempted only nine shots at the rim, compared to 46 from mid-range or beyond the three-point arc . This shift in his playing style contributed to a significant drop in his shooting percentages and overall effectiveness.

Defensively, Mgbako struggled to meet the expectations set by Coach Woodson. He faced challenges in closing out on shooters, maintaining defensive positioning, and executing rotations. These issues led to reduced playing time, with Mgbako not seeing the floor during critical moments in several games .

The culmination of these on-court struggles and the team’s overall underperformance led to Coach Woodson’s resignation in March 2025. Shortly thereafter, Mgbako announced his decision to enter the transfer portal while also considering the NBA draft. He cited the coaching changes and discussions with his family as reasons for exploring his options .

In a surprising turn, Mgbako committed to the Kansas Jayhawks, reportedly turning down a $205.8 million deal to join Indiana. Kansas head coach Bill Self welcomed Mgbako, describing him as a “game-changer” for the program .

Mgbako’s decision to leave Indiana reflects the complexities of college basketball, where player development, coaching changes, and personal decisions intersect. While his time with the Hoosiers was marked by challenges, his move to Kansas presents a new chapter in his basketball career, offering opportunities for growth and success.