BROOKINGS — A day after losing its second-leading scorer to the transfer portal, South Dakota State lost its leading scorer to either the NBA Draft or the transfer portal.

Junior guard Zeke Mayo announced on Tuesday afternoon that he will be declaring for the NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility with the intention to enter the transfer portal. 

SDSU went through a similar situation with Baylor Scheierman two years ago. He went through the NBA Draft Combine and got feedback from NBA scouts before eventually transferring to Creighton. Scheierman has flourished for the Blue Jays over the past two seasons as this year he was a Third Team All-American and First Team All-Big East selection.

Mayo averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds in his three seasons at SDSU. He won Summit League Player of the Year this past season after averaging 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He shot 45% from the field and 38.8% from three in his three seasons with the Jackrabbits.

“First, I want to thank God for giving me the glory to be in the position I’m in today,” Mayo said on Tuesday in a post on X. “Without his guidance, none of this would be possible. I would like to thank my family for the constant support on this journey. Your words of wisdom have given me hope and courage to become not only the player, but the man I am. I love you with all my heart.

“I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for bringing me in with open arms and helping me succeed in the yellow and blue for the past three years. Your role in this process is as important as anything. Lastly, to Jackrabbit Nation, the feeling of love and support I’ve received from each one of you has been tremendous. I can’t begin to thank you enough for embracing me as soon as I stepped foot on campus. This program and community has set a standard that will last for a lifetime and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.

“With that being said, after careful thought and consideration with my family and coaches, I will be declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility with intentions to enter the transfer portal. Please respect my decision as I’m blessed beyond measure to have this opportunity, and thank you again Jackrabbit Nation and all of my supporters.”

Mayo will have one more year of eligibility remaining.

SDSU will now enter next season with a brand new starting five after Luke Appel, Matt Mims and Charlie Easley all graduated along with William Kyle III and Mayo transferring.