(January 6th) The major difference between this profile and the last for Mackenzie Mgbako is in the block rate, which jumped from the 40th percentile up to the 70th. This has come, not because of a single outlier game that is unlikely to be repeated, but by a stable set of six consecutive games with a block, a streak that was only finally broken against Rutgers in the most recent game. This increase in block rate will help to bolster statistical claims of Mgbako’s athleticism, as though that were needed in light of the very obvious film.
In addition, Mgbako’s assist rate has also risen, from the 59th percentile to the 67th. This is relatively small, but it is worth noting that the jump primarily came from two games – 3 assists against Miami (OH) and 4 against Winthrop. However, unlike the block rate, which needs to be the product of consistent effort night in and night out (and therefore shouldn’t be concentrated), assists, especially for a player like Mgbako who is not the primary offensive option, should look more sporadic. Effectively, an assist pattern like this says that Mgbako understands how to utilize his passing as a weapon, so he’s not just needlessly forcing passes, but doing what his matchup responsibility calls for.
(December 12th) There were times last year, with Indiana’s offense primarily being driven by their three frontcourt players, that Mackenzie Mgbako got the short end of the stick as the only one of those three comfortable shooting from the perimeter on volume. Sure, Kel’el Ware shot 42.5% from three on the season, but with only 40 attempts he didn’t stretch the defense out and Mackenzie Mgbako was forced to take more threes, including low quality attempts, than is ideal. His efficiency also suffered for it too, posting a three-point percentage of 32.7%, which was plainly below his actual shooting talent.
Which is why it’s so encouraging that Mgbako has started the year on fire from three in a more typical offensive setting – Oumar Ballo is by no means a shooter, but because he’s less demanding of touches the spacing burden on Mgbako is reduced, and it’s paying dividends. Mgbako currently ranks in the 97th percentile for wings as a three point shooter, which complements his athleticism in a way that NBA teams salivate over.