O.J. Mayo is Turning Pro

O.J. Mayo will announce that he is turning pro tonight. Tune in to the San Antonio halftime show on ESPN to see the announcement. [Update: ESPN may have over-sold it on their slide ... no video of the announcement was shown.]

Mayo will finish the academic semester, meaning USC's scholarships will be unaffected next year assuming his grades meet minimum requirements (not expected to be an issue).

The full press release from USC is after the jump. Mayo, who is out of town, will be returning next week and plans to speak to the media Tuesday.

Official press release from USC:

LOS ANGELES – USC freshman guard O.J. Mayo has decided to forego his eligibility at USC and declare for the 2008 NBA Draft. 

The 6-foot-5 freshman is a dynamic all-around player widely regarded as the top player in his class since the seventh grade.  Mayo has not signed with an agent, but plans to in the near future.

“I am so thankful for the fans and alumni at USC and around the nation that have been so supportive of me and my teammates throughout the season,” said Mayo.  “I’d like to express my appreciation to my coaches and teammates for their support in one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made.  I will be entering the 2008 NBA Draft. 

“I am going to finish the semester here at USC and then focus on preparing for the NBA Draft,” added Mayo.  “Attending USC has been such a great experience for me and has really helped prepare me for my next step in life.”

Coach Tim Floyd offered his support to Mayo and his family regarding his decision.

“This comes as no surprise,” said coach Floyd.  “We are appreciative of everything O.J. did for all of us the year he was with us.  We wish him well.  I have no doubt that he will be a great professional.”

Mayo led USC in scoring (20.7), steals (51), three-pointers (88) and assists (109), was second in free-throw percentage (.803) and third in rebounds (150).  He established the USC freshman single-season record for points (684) and three-point baskets.  Mayo’s point total was the second-most ever in a season by a Trojan and the three-point basket total ranks third all-time at USC.  His scoring average of 20.7 points per game is the best ever by a USC freshman and trails only Shareef Abdur-Rahim of California, who set the Pac-10 Conference freshman record with an average of 21.1 in 1995-96.

The freshman from Huntington, W.Va., was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team, Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, NABC District 15 Team and was honorable mention to the All-Pac-10 defensive team, as well as receiving Wooden Award and Naismith Award consideration. Mayo also was named a Rivals.com and CollegeHoops.net Third Team All-American and a CollegeHoops.net First Team All-Freshman selection.

Comments

[plh55]

Disappointing but expected. I would have done the same if someone were to have told me I was a top 5 pick. Here's to hoping K Love, Collison, and Westbrook all seek their millions too!

[pk-in-the-mesa]

Yes I expected he would turn pro, just hoping gibson and jefferson stay on with next years freshman USC will be a much better team.

[rodney]

Gee, there's a surprise.

Standout freshman makes leap to the Bigs after only one season.

Really, what's even the point anymore? There's scarcely even a cursory pretense of longevity -- much less loyalty -- at this point.

These athletes should simply be bred exclusively for overwhelming physical prowess, cunning business acumen and, of course, complete and utter narcism. Then shipped, first-class, to the highest bidder.

If I'm to be merely teased and whetted, it at least better be by someone that bears a striking resemblance to Salma Hayek.