Zeke Mayo, the acclaimed Summit League Player of the Year from South Dakota State, has announced his decision to explore new horizons by entering the college basketball transfer portal, as reported by 247Sports. In addition to considering his options in the transfer portal, Mayo is also evaluating his prospects in the NBA Draft, keeping all avenues open for his future.
Standing at 6-foot-4, the junior guard has made a significant impact on the court, boasting an impressive average of 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. This stellar performance not only earned him the prestigious Player of the Year (POY) honors but also a deep sense of gratitude towards his coach, Eric Henderson, and the entire Jackrabbits team. “My time here has been nothing short of incredible,” Mayo shared with 247Sports. “From the moment I arrived, the community of Brookings and the state of South Dakota welcomed me with open arms. I’m immensely thankful for the support and love I’ve received.”
Reflecting on his decision to explore new opportunities, Mayo acknowledges the difficulty of leaving behind a team and a coaching staff that have become like family over the past three years. “It’s a very tough decision, but I’m also aware that to achieve my dreams, I need to pursue new challenges,” he explained.
During his tenure with South Dakota State, Mayo not only led the team to the NCAA Tournament this season but also secured a spot on the All-Summit first team for the 2022-23 season. With nearly 1,600 points and over 230 three-pointers at a nearly 39% success rate, Mayo has proven himself to be a formidable player on the court. Describing his playing style, Mayo said, “I consider my game to be smooth and crafty. I always aim to involve my teammates and believe I have a strong ability to create opportunities both for myself and others.”
Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Mayo has yet to finalize a list of schools but is attracting attention from several high-profile programs. He plans to carefully consider his options, ensuring that his final choice aligns with his aspirations for his last season of college basketball. “My family and I have discussed the importance of not rushing this decision. We’re looking for a program that offers a family-like culture, a system that complements my playing style, and a supportive fanbase,” Mayo stated.
As Zeke Mayo embarks on this new chapter, his focus remains on finding a program that will support his growth as a player and help him reach his full potential.