Zeke Mayo's journey through The Basketball Tournament (TBT) culminated in a semifinal appearance with his Kansas alumni team, JHX Hoops, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his hometown and alma mater. Despite their eventual defeat to Kentucky's La Familia, Mayo's leadership and skill were undeniable. His professional future, though still in flux after stints in the G League and NBA Summer League, is viewed with optimism by those who've witnessed his talent.
Zeke Mayo Leads JHX Hoops in TBT and Reflects on His Path
In the thrilling culmination of The Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2026, the coveted $2 million prize was claimed by Davis Steel. While Kansas' alumni squad, JHX Hoops, didn't reach the championship game, they made a significant impact, largely due to the formidable presence of Zeke Mayo. A proud graduate of Kansas, Mayo returned to don the crimson and blue for his collegiate team's alumni, leading them impressively to the TBT semifinals. There, they encountered a formidable opponent in La Familia, the alumni team from fellow basketball powerhouse Kentucky, ultimately falling short of the final.
Mayo's connection to Lawrence, Kansas, runs deep, and he articulately expressed the profound significance of representing his roots. "Every chance I get to wear the crimson and blue, I'm going to seize it," Mayo shared, his voice filled with heartfelt emotion. "Being from Lawrence, it genuinely means the world to me, to my family, and to my closest friends."
His journey to this point included a decorated three-year tenure at South Dakota State University, where he was honored as the 2023-24 Summit League Player of the Year and spearheaded the Jackrabbits to a conference title. Reflecting on his past, Mayo confessed that the concept of TBT was entirely foreign to him during his time in South Dakota. "It's quite amusing, actually, I had no knowledge of the tournament when I was in South Dakota," Mayo remarked. It was only last summer that he received an invitation from Ty and Sharon to participate, marking his inaugural appearance. "This journey has been incredibly special, and I'm just so grateful for the chance to compete," he added.
Following his collegiate success, Mayo played the 2025-26 season with the NBA G League's Cleveland Charge, where he maintained an average of 8.2 points per game. His professional basketball trajectory remains somewhat uncertain after his recent participation with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Summer League. However, Tyshawn Taylor, a teammate from JHX Hoops, harbors immense confidence in Mayo's potential to reach the highest echelons of professional basketball.
"He's unequivocally one of my favorite players," Taylor affirmed. "I've closely tracked his development throughout his time in the league. Everything he's accomplished underscores what a phenomenal player he truly is."
Mayo himself remains grounded, focusing on the present while hoping for a future in the NBA. "I'm not entirely certain where I'll ultimately land," Mayo stated. "My hope is to end up in Atlanta, where I played in the summer league this past season. My rookie season was in Cleveland, but I'm committed to approaching each day as it comes and continuing to dedicate myself to hard work." His impactful presence during JHX Hoops' TBT campaign saw him average nearly 18 points per game, a testament to his scoring prowess and leadership on the court.
Zeke Mayo's narrative is a compelling blend of hometown pride, collegiate achievement, and a tenacious pursuit of a professional basketball dream. His journey with JHX Hoops in TBT not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also underscored the deep emotional connection athletes often have with their roots. As he navigates the uncertainties of his NBA career, Mayo's dedication and the support of those who believe in him serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit's resilience and aspiration in the competitive world of sports.
