Mgbako’s Momentum: Five-Star Forward Recommits to Texas A&M Amid Surging Buzz Around Bucky McMillan’s Portal Mastery
In a move that has stunned college basketball insiders and thrilled the Texas A&M faithful, Mackenzie Mgbako, the former five-star recruit and projected NBA Draft pick, has announced his decision to return to College Station for another season. While many expected Mgbako to test the professional waters after a strong individual campaign, the versatile forward cited “unfinished business” and “complete trust in Coach Bucky McMillan’s vision” as key reasons for his stunning recommitment.
This surprise decision comes as Texas A&M emerges as one of the biggest winners of the offseason, with head coach Bucky McMillan engineering what many are calling a masterclass in transfer portal strategy. McMillan, who arrived with a reputation for player development and an unrelenting work ethic, has brought in a historic haul of talent — including five top-100 transfers — giving the Aggies the No. 1-rated transfer class in the nation.
“Mackenzie coming back changes everything,” said McMillan during a press conference packed with media and buzzing students. “He’s not just an elite talent — he’s the heartbeat of our locker room. And when players of his caliber choose to stay, it tells the rest of the country we’re building something real here.”
Mgbako, who averaged 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, was heavily projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Scouts praised his size, shooting touch, and defensive versatility. But according to sources close to the program, his conversations with McMillan, along with the infusion of elite talent through the portal, convinced him that the best way to elevate both his game and his future was to lead the Aggies on a deep March run.
Among the newcomers joining Mgbako is former top-40 guard Jalen Tyson, along with stretch-four bruiser Eli Compton and elite two-way wing Rashad Carter — all high-impact players expected to start immediately. The group adds shooting, depth, and defensive length, reshaping Texas A&M into a legitimate Final Four contender overnight.
“Coach McMillan made it clear this wasn’t just about adding talent — it was about building a championship culture,” Mgbako said. “We’ve got guys coming in who are hungry, experienced, and ready to win. I didn’t want to miss being part of that.”
With Mgbako’s return and the transfer class rounding into form, analysts now place Texas A&M firmly in the preseason Top 10 — a far cry from the unranked status they held at the start of last season. Behind McMillan’s dynamic leadership and Mgbako’s star power, the Aggies are no longer an underdog story — they’re a program on the verge of something monumental.
The message is clear: Bucky McMillan isn’t just navigating the transfer portal — he’s mastering it. And with Mackenzie Mgbako leading the charge, Texas A&M basketball has entered a bold new era.
