The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is actively bolstering its roster for the upcoming season by reaching out to transfer portal prospects Mackenzie Mgbako and Elijah Moore. Mgbako, a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, spent two seasons at Indiana University, while Moore played as a guard for Syracuse University.
Mackenzie Mgbako’s Transfer from Indiana
Mgbako, a 6-foot-8 forward from New Jersey, began his collegiate career at Indiana University after decommitting from Duke University in 2023. During his freshman year, he averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, earning Big Ten co-Freshman of the Year honors alongside Iowa’s Owen Freeman.
Following Indiana’s coaching changes, including the resignation of Coach Mike Woodson and the hiring of Darian DeVries, Mgbako entered the transfer portal on March 24, 2025. He also expressed interest in exploring NBA draft opportunities while maintaining his eligibility. Reports indicate that Kentucky has reached out to Mgbako, expressing interest in his potential addition to the Wildcats’ roster.
Elijah Moore’s Freshman Season at Syracuse
Moore, a guard from the Bronx, New York, completed his freshman year at Syracuse University, where he averaged 5.2 points per game. His performance highlighted his potential, with significant contributions during his debut season. Kentucky’s coaching staff has reportedly shown interest in Moore, adding him to their list of transfer portal prospects.
Kentucky’s Recruitment Strategy
Kentucky’s pursuit of Mgbako and Moore underscores the Wildcats’ commitment to enhancing their roster through strategic transfers. By targeting players with proven collegiate experience, Kentucky aims to blend veteran talent with its incoming freshman class, fostering a competitive team for the upcoming season.
As the transfer portal continues to influence team rosters, Kentucky’s proactive approach in reaching out to Mgbako and Moore positions the Wildcats as strong contenders in the recruitment landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments, anticipating how these potential additions could impact Kentucky’s pursuit of national championship aspirations.
