After a bit of a sluggish start, Indiana freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako seems to have turned a corner. And people are noticing.
He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The Gladstone, N.J., native averaged 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 6-of-16 (37.5%) shooting from the 3-point line in a trio of non-conference games against Morehead State (Dec. 19), North Alabama (Dec. 21), and Kennesaw State (Dec. 29).
Mgbako tallied 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 32 minutes against Morehead State. He followed with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block in 23 minutes against North Alabama. He wrapped up the holiday slate with 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the 3-point line to go along with six rebounds and three assists in just 14 minutes against Kennesaw State.
The week continued a strong run for the 6-foot-8 Mgbako, who has scored in double figures for eight straight games. He’s averaging 13.1 points and 5.5 rebounds over that span while shooting 36.1 percent from three on 4.5 attempts per contest.
He is the first Hoosier to earn a Big Ten weekly honor this season and first IU freshman to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week since Jalen Hood-Schifino on Feb. 27. JHS claimed the award four times last season before being drafted No. 17 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mgbako and the Hoosiers return to Big Ten Conference play against Nebraska at 9 p.m. ET on Jan. 3 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
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