One of Texas A&M’s key voices is back in the gym and sounding optimistic about what comes next.
Mackenzie Mgbako said this week that his health is trending in the right direction after a season in which a foot injury cut his year short. He’s back lifting, shooting and working toward a full return, and he’s already looking ahead to what the Aggies can become.
“I’m getting healthy for sure,” Mgbako said. “I think if we follow what coach Bucky expects of us and we try to shoot for our potential, the sky’s the limit. I'm really excited for the team and what we can do this season.”
Mgbako’s first season in Aggieland was limited to seven games, but he still put up 10.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. At 6-foot-9, he enters the next chapter of his college career with a chance to make a much bigger imprint in the Bucky Ball system.
The injury that ended his season was severe enough to require surgery, and Mgbako opened up about the rehab process and what it taught him along the way.
“Last year taught me a lot, Mgbako said. “How to be a great teammate.
How to cheer for the next man, and, you know, just be grateful to be even in this situation - Injuries are never easy, especially in the bulk of the season. Went to the doctor in New York.
He got me right. Was in the boot for, I want to say about a month, two months, and then on the scooter, and then after that back in the weight room trying to get on the court, watching a lot of film.”
As Texas A&M moves from Year 1 to Year 2, Mgbako believes the system is easy enough to absorb, especially for the returners already familiar with it.
“Coach Bucky does a great job of meticulously putting sets in when he needs to, and to that, it's not hard to learn,” Mgbako mentioned. “It’s pretty simple. I think, but I'm a returner, so it's kind of my bias, but we have a group of really smart guys, and I don't think it would be hard for them to catch on.”
He also pointed to several teammates who have caught his attention as the roster takes shape for the upcoming season.
“I feel like Jamie made a big jump from last year to this year,” Mgbako said. “PJ's obviously very talented on the court, on the ball and off the ball.
Shelly, Lucas, just Zach coming back onto the scene as well. You know, everybody's just a really talented group of guys.”
Mgbako also praised the staff and liked what he sees from the overall makeup of the team.
“Coach Bucky and the staff, great people, very genuine, and I love their playing style,” Mgbako said. “I'm excited to see how we rank up against other SEC teams - I think across the board, we're a way bigger team, very more physical.
A lot of shooters, and just very skilled. A very skilled team across the board, and very athletic for sure."
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