Editor's note: Since publication, The Chronicle has reported that Mackenzie Mgbako has requested a release from his National Letter of Intent and will reopen his recruitment.
After the McDonald’s All-American Games in Houston kicked off the all-star cycle, Duke’s future basketball standouts stayed on the move. Their next stop was in Portland, Ore., at the Nike Hoop Summit, where Team World was pitted against Team USA in a highly competitive game in front of countless pro scouts.
The Blue Devils were represented by the same players in Portland as they were in Houston. On the men’s side, Mackenzie Mgbako took the floor for Team World while Sean Stewart and Jared McCain shared the court for Team USA. While there was no dunk or 3-point contest at the Hoop Summit festivities, Stewart and McCain left victorious nonetheless as Team USA took down Team World 90-84.
Despite the loss, Mgbako turned in a masterful performance while representing his Nigerian roots, putting up 22 points to pace the entire game in scoring. Duke’s highest-ranked recruit showed off his entire skillset, knocking down shots from every spot on the floor and pulling down eight rebounds.
Mgbako’s potential as an all-level scorer was evident on a size-up 3-pointer from NBA range in the third quarter, helping keep Team World in the game.
Coming off a nine-point performance in Houston, McCain turned in another solid game, scoring 10 points off the bench for Team USA. While McCain has already proven he can be a volume scorer, he was able to show off some less-heralded aspects of his game in Portland. The incoming freshman made his presence felt on defense, timing up a chase-down block and diving for loose balls, something that Duke head coach Jon Scheyer will certainly appreciate.
Once again, No. 12 recruit Sean Stewart had a relatively quiet night in the box score. Stewart only played 10 minutes after starting the game for Team USA and only managed two points. However, the forward’s motor was on display as he grabbed four rebounds and played solid defense in his time on his floor.
For the first time, the Nike Hoop Summit introduced a women’s game to the event this year. Duke’s highly touted No. 3 recruit Jadyn Donovan made the roster for Team USA, and she delivered on her ranking. Team USA knocked off Team World 100-79, completing a sweep for the home team. Donovan was a major part of that success in her 22 minutes played, as she tallied eight points, six rebounds and three steals.
In addition to the three steals, Donovan had an impressive block that led to a fastbreak layup on the other end, further showing her defensive prowess. If these highlights translate to the collegiate level, Donovan and returning guard Celeste Taylor could wreak havoc on opposing backcourts all season long.
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