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Kings F Mogbo Looking to Be Spark Plug For Bench Unit
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- Kings F Mogbo Looking to Be Spark Plug For Bench Unit
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Sacramento Kings have had a rough NBA Preseason, losing their opening four games.
But, the team has seen some significant growth from young talents like Darius Acuff Jr. and Nique Clifford , while giving some of their two-way players opportunities to show what they can do.
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Jonathan Mogbo , who signed a two-way contract with Sacramento back in June, had a very strong showing in the Kings' 110-98 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The former No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft scored 15 points and added 10 rebounds, displaying his defensive versatility.
Mogbo also stepped out for a 3-point make, which is a good sign for the former Toronto Raptor.
Following the game, Mogbo spoke on what he wants to bring to his team this season, saying he wants to serve as a "spark" off the bench.
"We gotta go out there and punch guys in the mouth first," Mogbo added.
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In 2024, Mogbo appeared in 63 games, averaging 6.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while giving Toronto athleticism and defensive intensity.
This past season, with a congested group of Toronto wings on the roster, Mogbo's minutes decreased, as he averaged less than seven per game, seeing the floor in very limited spurts.
But, Mogbo was highly efficient when his number was called, shooting 59.1-percent from the field.
Although it was a small sample size, Mogbo was perfect from the field in his final four appearances of the season, making his only two shots of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers in round one.
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While he is yet to fully find his way in the league, Mogbo is definitely worth taking a flier on, as he has the physical tools and upside to be a high-level defender on the wing.
After starting his collegiate career at Independence Community College in Kansas, Mogbo bounced around before landing at San Francisco for his junior campaign.
With the Dons, Mogbo broke out, averaging 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 28.9 minutes per contest en route to All-WCC First Team recognition.
Efficiency was once again the story, as Mogbo finished with a 63.6-percent mark from the field, ranking top-10 in the country.
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Mogbo's rebounds, field goal percentage, and steals per game (1.6) all led the WCC.
Although the Dons' NIT Tournament run was short-lived in the 2023-2024 season, Mogbo showed out against Cincinnati, filling up the stat sheet with 10 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a block, and two steals.
These kind of all-around performances were a big reason for Mogbo attracting NBA attention, as teams saw his ability to score, rebound, and defend efficiently.
In Sacramento, Mogbo will likely spend most of his time with the G-League affiliate Stockton Kings, but gives head coach Doug Christie much-needed depth in the front court.
