Top Reasons for O.J. Mayo to Stay

As unrealistic, even irresponsible, as some might describe O.J. Mayo's return for a second year at USC, there are a few compelling reasons why he might do it. Let's think outside the box for a minute ...

DeMar DeRozan - Even though Mayo is surrounded by some great athletes this year, DeRozan is a rare talent. As an incoming freshman next season he would be Mayo's first truly elite teammate. Not only could he relieve a lot of the scoring pressure, but in an ideal situation would play shooting guard while Mayo focuses on his natural abilities at point guard. That means he can better prove to NBA scouts what he'll do at the next level.

Lil' Romeo - Sure, Percy Miller isn't expected to get off the bench next year when he's a freshman at USC (heck, he barely got off the bench his senior year of high school). It's not Miller's playing skills that matter -- it's his celebrity as rapper Lil' Romeo. Although Mayo is not interested in the limelight in the same way as Matt Leinart, he is smart enough to understand that pro sports is a business. A lot of Mayo's future profits will depend on selling jerseys and whatever products he endorses. By spending a year hanging around Lil' Romeo, he'll automatically raise his exposure level to a critical demographic that has snapped up 1.5 million albums of Romeo's albums. Keep in mind this music isn't exactly hardcore -- meaning a fan base that is young, impressionable and probably has access to daddy's credit card.

60% of NBA players go broke - The NBA Players Assn. has reportedly estimated that 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retirement. It's expensive maintaining a posse, paying child support and shelling out for a mortgage and 10 cars. Although Mayo may not chose to live so extravagantly, there are a lot of pitfalls for a young man with money -- and a lot of people looking to take advantage. Another year in college shelters him from agents, swindlers and a whole host of crackpot schemes. It would allow him to mature a little more and prepare for life in the fast lane.

Draft Status - Although he still looks like a lottery pick, O.J. Mayo may not be among the top five freshmen or top five guards looking to turn pro in 2008. If he slips any more, another year means more growth, more exposure, another summer shooting hoops with Kobe Bryant and a shot at climbing higher in the 2009 draft.

O.J. Mayo is not a conformist - Mayo left the mainstream establishment dumbfounded when he chose to go to USC. If that doesn't tell you enough, consider this: If he hadn't become a Trojan, Mayo wanted to attend a historically black college. Let there be no doubt -- this is his life, his gift and he will do with it as he pleases.

Education - Believe it or not, the concept of the student-athlete isn't dead. Mayo scored a 29 on the ACT and does well in class. He chose to enroll in summer school in 2007 and is insisting he's going to enroll in summer school in 2008. This doesn't seem like the kind of kid who's done with classes as of this week. With just one more year under his belt and some summer work, finishing his degree may be an attainable goal. You may recall Shaq did something similar, and later got an MBA online.

Stability - In four years O.J. Mayo has worn four school uniforms (well, technically one of his high schools was the Trojans and they wore cardinal and gold). With all of the run-around, Mayo has always been portrayed as a hired gun. Maybe he's not. He made it clear that a major draw of USC was that it didn't have much of a legacy or tradition in basketball -- he could build his own. That requires staying around for a little and growing some roots. For once in his life, Mayo might yearn for something less ephemeral. Odds of having that at the next level are unpredictable.

Championships - Although anything could happen in the Pac-10 tournament (or even the Big Dance), Mayo's facing some long odds of finishing this year as a champion of anything better than the Anaheim Classic. All athletes are competitors, and Mayo would feel a lot better about leaving school having accomplished what he set out to do -- win. His return could also compel teammates like Davon Jefferson and Taj Gibson to stick around one more year, providing one great run in the sport's penultimate level.

No matter how compelling these reasons are for O.J. Mayo to stay, he's also got some extremely good reasons to leave. We'll tackle those tomorrow.

Photo by John Miller / AP

Comments

[Nookie Farley]

As a UCLA fan, I definitely think that OJ should go to the NBA. Good luck there.

[Bonnie Lee]

O.J. is so unpredictable. Even his game is still a little inconsistent... it's the end of the season and NOW people are jumping on his bandwagon after a season of doubt. I say he stays one more year to make more of a name for himself and prove himself to all his doubters. I agree: sans an NCAA championship, he's still got a lot left to do at USC.

FIGHT ON!

[Derric]

If you are a Top 10 pick or better yet high first round projected pick, It would be irresponsible and downright selfish for ANYONE to ask a player to come back, period.

[Patti]

If OJ comes back, it won't be because anyone asked him to. It will be because he wants to. And since he himself has said that so far, he's coming back, I would take him at his word for exactly the reason Adam gave...he's a non conformist. OJ's already proven that he has a singular mind of his own. Plus he's said that he loves it in LA. Why not stick around and enjoy himself for another year before going to work where he might have to end up moving to some place like Detroit or Minnesota?

Joachim Noah and those guys down at Florida stayed for 3 years before going pro and it didn't seem to hurt them much.

[steveRB]

He should go to the NBA. He doesn't owe SC, the NCAA or anybody else anything. At this level it is all about money. Period.

[Rodolfo Becerra]

o.j. should stay and receive his degree in my opinion you never know what may happen to him. as sources said after 5 years of retirement NBA players go broke! when drafted players only get a 3 to 4 year deal! what if he gets injured and the injury ends his career what is he going to do next go from an NBA player winning millions of dollars to winning minimum wage!?

SO FIGHT ON! AND TAKE US DEEPER INTO THE BIG DANCE IN YEARS TO COME!

[pk-in-the-mesa]

I really don't care if Mayo stays but I hope the rest will, the trojans have the best guard coming in and wiil have 4 PGs next year and malik story but need a center

[pk-in-the-mesa]

It doesn't matter if Tim stays because we will end up with Mike M.

[Greg]

Are you kidding me? What kind of arrogant jock would leave after only one year? OJ should definitely stay, get an education, earn a degree, and then go off to the pros. I'd rather be educated and rich than dumb and rich any day!

[ron goodling]

The kids got to take the money and go. Stay for what? So that Tim FLoy'ds band of academic burnout mercinaries can make it to the sweet 16? Please. An education? Whats one more year at USC get him, another couple "film" and "ceramics" classes, under his belt. much less four (which is pretty worthless from USC anyway). These kids arn't taking "business econ" classes their taking anything they can get a passing grade in...

[char]

He should stay and finish his education at USC. Hell, if someone offered me a free education I'd be there in a heartbeat.

[Mezy]

Man i think he (mayo) should stay because in my eye's he the single most talented player in college hoops. We believed he was good but he's better than i thought.... He has superior footwork and fundamental skills,a sweet stroke,and a compettive fire ala (kobe bryant), he's coachable,just a normal kid ........ He should have won pac 10 poy because if u really look at the season in a whole Mayo did more with lesser talent , than love who's surronded with "quote on quote" nba lottery pics. But everyone will get a chance to see the real deal oj mayo tonight 9pm est fsn dont just watch the game scout it then watch eric gordon and you'll see who a better nba prospect.