LOS ANGELES (AP)—Since Southern California lost in the first round of the NCAA
tournament, freshman guard O.J. Mayo has been working on his ball-handling
skills.
He has also been practicing for a moment he has waited for his entire life—
the walk from the green room to the podium during the NBA draft to shake hands
with commissioner David Stern.
The 6-foot-5 guard who is projected to be a lottery pick in the June 26
draft spoke to reporters on Thursday for the first time since announcing he
would forgo his college eligibility last week.
“All my life I’ve worked to be an NBA player, that was my ultimate dream so
I’m happy I get this opportunity,” Mayo said. “I just feel like this year, why
pass it up when you’ve been waiting all your life.”
Mayo recently hired Calvin Andrews of BDA Sports Management, based in Walnut
Creek, to represent him. The agency, which was founded by Billy Duffy, also
represents Carmelo Anthony, Yao Ming and Steve Nash.
Mayo led the Trojans in scoring (20.7), steals (51), 3-pointers (88) and
assists (109). He was an All-Pac-10 first-team selection and established the USC
freshman single-season record with 684 points and 88 3-pointers. His point total
was the second-most ever in a season by a Trojan and his 3-pointers the third
most in history. Led by Mayo, the Trojans tied for third in the Pac-10 at 11-7 and finished
21-12 overall.
Once the season ended, Mayo said he consulted with USC head coach Tim Floyd
and his mother, Alisha Mayo before deciding his fate.
His only regret was not being able to lead the Trojans further in the NCAA
tournament.
“We feel like we got put of the tournament pretty early and March Madness
is an exciting time. “We really felt like we could do well so for us to get put
out early, there’s always a feeling that maybe you want to come back and try to
go a little further.”
But Mayo said he ultimately decided to turn pro so that he could provide
financial security for his family that includes seven siblings.
“That’s the most important thing right now for me, to give my brothers and
sisters the best living situation possible,” Mayo said.
Mayo plans on finishing out the semester at USC and working out on campus
before the draft to help prepare for his rookie season.
Mayo said that Floyd, who was a former coach of the Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Hornets simply told him that playing in the NBA is “a different
world,” and acknowledged that he will have to adjust to a grueling 82-game
season.
Mayo enjoyed his one season at USC and thought the time helped him mature on
and off the court.
“I definitely got the most out of it,” Mayo said. “It taught me to grow
up and make the right decisions.”
Authentic Licensed Merchandise
Official Mayo looks ahead to draft Store with merchandise for women, men, infant and baby toddler.
The 6-foot-5 guard who is projected to be a lottery pick in the June 26 draft spoke to reporters on Thursday for the first time since announcing he would forgo his college eligibility last week.
| 
Add this Page to your Favorites 
QUICK LINKS