PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In the moments that followed Kansas basketball’s loss in March against Arkansas, Zeke Mayo understood the end of the season wasn’t going to be something he moved on from quickly.
Mayo, whose team’s 79-72 defeat came in the round of 64 of the NCAA tournament, just had the chance to represent his hometown school in March Madness. He knew that’s not something every kid grows up and gets to do. He also knew his Jayhawks (21-13) didn’t expect to exit the tournament so soon, that they thought they were better than the Razorbacks, and as a senior it’s a terrible feeling to lose that final game.
But as Mayo processes the end of his college career, it’s not as if he doesn’t have an idea for what’s next. Mayo, who spent one year at Kansas after transferring in from South Dakota State, is going to pursue a career as a professional basketball player. That includes taking a shot at playing in the NBA.
“I’m going to pursue that,” Mayo said. “It’s a slim chance, but, I mean, why not? Definitely going to go through the training process and hopefully work my way up the pedestal a little bit and just kind of draw some attention throughout the summer, work as hard as I can, and, I mean, hopefully achieve my dreams for sure.”
After thriving at the mid-major level, Mayo became a featured part of Kansas’ lineup. He started 32 of his 34 appearances, while averaging 31.7 minutes per game. He finished second in points scored, second in assists made and third in rebounds collected, as he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
His 3-point shooting is what may give him the best opportunity to have a chance at the next level. His 89-for-211 (42.2%) mark from behind the arc made him the Jayhawks’ most prolific 3-point shooter this season. It’s a talent that helped Mayo stand out at South Dakota State, and one he carried over to KU.
Mayo’s performances in high-profile situations, like the loss against Arkansas in Providence, Rhode Island, the win against Arizona in March at home and the win against Iowa State in February at home should also help him. But ...
