Indiana Basketball: Where 2023 signees finished in national rankings

The Indiana basketball program has finalized its 2023 recruiting class following the addition of five-star Mackenzie Mgbako last week. The Hoosiers three-man class has one five-star forward and two four-star guards. It consists of Mgbako, Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton.

Indiana’s class ranks No. 9 in the 247Sports team rankings and No. 14 in the Rivals team rankings.

In total, the Indiana basketball program has six new players arriving on campus this summer. It also has three transfers. There is currently one open scholarship for the 2023-24 season.

Here is where each 2023 signee ranked among the two big national recruiting services and comments from Mike Woodson.

Mackenzie Mgbako (6-8; wing/forward)

Rivals Ranking: No. 8

247Sports Ranking: No. 10

Mike Woodson Comments:

“Mackenzie is a dynamic player and an outstanding young man from a great family.  He has the chance to have an immediate impact on our program.  He’s a tremendous offensive player who gives us athleticism, length and the ability to be an inside/out threat.  He can beat people off the dribble, rebound, run the floor and guard multiple positions.  Like most freshmen, he will benefit greatly from time in the weight room.  He is a winner who has played against high-level competition and was a state champion in high school.  We can’t wait to welcome him and his family to Bloomington.”

Jakai Newton (6-4; shooting guard)

Rivals Ranking: No. 70

247Sports Ranking: No. 119

Mike Woodson Comments:

“Jakai is an outstanding two-way player who takes pride in his ability to be a lockdown defender. He has tremendous athleticism and is aggressive at getting to the rim. He is well-coached and comes from a very well thought of high school program. He continues to improve and better himself with an outstanding work ethic. He has quick feet, a 6-10 wingspan, and a tremendous ability to elevate which will help him on both ends of the floor. He is a skilled player with a great build that should translate well to the Big Ten.”

Gabe Cupps (6-1; point guard)

Rivals Ranking: No. 117

247Sports Ranking: No. 123

Mike Woodson Comments:

“Gabe has grown up around the game as a coach’s son and more than anything else he is a winner who has shown to lead a team to championship levels. He is an intense competitor who has elite decision-making ability. He has a tireless work ethic and is constantly looking to improve his game on both ends of the floor. He’s played against such high-level competition and that will serve him well in facing a Big Ten schedule. His leadership skills are off the charts, and he plays with the mindset of getting everyone around him involved and putting them in a position to be successful.”

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