Indiana basketball freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday afternoon.
Mgbako 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).
After a slow start to the season, the freshman forward has found his stride as of late. In his first five games, Mgbako only reached double figures once, but has scored at least ten points in Indiana basketball’s last eight games.
Mgbako averaged 12.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in seven games in December after averaging just 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in the first month of the season.
Mgbako is the first Hoosier to earn a Big Ten honor this season and is the first Indiana basketball freshman to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week since Jalen Hood-Schifino on Feb 27. Hood-Schifino earned the award four times last season.
READ: Indiana Basketball: 5 key questions, other key notes facing Hoosiers as Big Ten play resumes
Mgbako has taken a big step at the perfect time as Indiana basketball jumps into Big Ten play on Jan 3. when they face Nebraska on the road.
More must-reads: