The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a disappointing end to a once-promising season, getting blown out by Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after being the No. 1 overall team entering the year.
Kansas ran out of gas and clearly needs to upgrade the roster if Bill Self wants to return to the Final Four in 2024-25. The backcourt lacked scoring oomph and Self needs to inject some new talent on the perimeter to compete.
We already know Dajuan Harris Jr. will be back for one more season, though now there's a perfect target available in the transfer portal that I expect the Jayhawks to go after.
Kansas Jayhawks Need to Target G Zeke Mayo in the Transfer Portal
NEWS: South Dakota State guard Zeke Mayo plans to enter the transfer portal while declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, he tells @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 26, 2024
The 6-4 junior from Lawrence, KS averaged 18.8 PTS, 5.7 REB, and 3.5 AST this season. Shot 39% from three. https://t.co/rzZr73gGuq pic.twitter.com/A1q0kM5T4t
It's almost like Kansas boosters had a magical lamp and the genie made Zeke Mayo appear. The former Lawrence High School star and the Jayhawks are a match made in heaven, especially considering Mayo fills this team's exact need.
A three-year starter at South Dakota State, Mayo averaged 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game this year while shooting 46.6% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc on nearly seven attempts per contest.
Freshman to shoot 40%+ 3PT (min. 100 attempts), 90%+ FT on a team that won 15+ games over the last 15 years of college basketball:
— Danny Johnson (@dannyjohnson_23) September 7, 2022
Klay Thompson ('09)
Zeke Mayo ('22)
Zeke is one of the most underrated shooters in the country. Breakout year coming for him at South Dakota State. pic.twitter.com/YAY1OYGHvX
Kansas has already reached out to Mayo, who could be an ideal scoring compliment to Harris' playmaking ability. He can create his own shot and displays an excellent understanding of the pick-and-roll game, making him a potential threat with Hunter Dickinson and KJ Adams as well.
It's rare that a talented player from your backyard who fills your needs just falls into your lap. The Jayhawks need to be swift and decisive in their pursuit of Mayo and I'll feel great about Kansas' chances next year if they're able to land the former Jackrabbit.
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