2008 Woodie Awards
Mayo coming to the UD basketball
TC Fleming
Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Sports
With his performance falling short of what many expected of him coming out of high school, USC freshman guard OJ Mayo saw the need to choose a different path than what many had been planning for him after his senior year of high school. Eschewing this summer's NBA draft, Mayo will instead stay in college, but not at the same one. He will be transferring to the University of Dallas.
Famous during high school for, among other things, moving from West Virginia to Kentucky to Ohio to West Virginia, he will apparently continue the tradition in college-only Crusader fans hope this move is permanent.
Mayo originally gained recognition as a seventh grader playing well-27 points, seven boards and three steals in his first game-against kids four and five years his senior (seventh graders can play on varsity high school teams in the state of Kentucky). After his migration to Ohio, he won three consecutive AP Poll titles and was named the Mr. Basketball of Ohio twice. For his senior year, he moved back home to Huntingdon, West Virginia and won a state title there, defeating runner-up South Charleston, 103-61. In his freshman year, Mayo averaged 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while playing in the Pacific Ten Conference.
At UD, Mayo sees not only an opportunity to improve on those numbers, but to improve on himself.
"At USC, I felt I was getting a very one-sided experience," Mayo told the University News. "That one side, basketball, was a very good side, but it wasn't the complete package. UD has more of the complete package."
The complete package Mayo refers to include certainly academics and athletics (although not, apparently NCAA tournaments, as indicated below), but also a character-building element. Mayo gained as much press for his transgressions growing up as he did for his exploits. During his senior year, he was cited for marijuana possession. In another case, he pushed over a referee after he ejected him from a game. Finally, in that state championship, he had to be ejected in the waning moments when he launched the ball into the stands after a dunk. As much as UD will improve his mind and body, his soul may be the big reclamation project.
Famous during high school for, among other things, moving from West Virginia to Kentucky to Ohio to West Virginia, he will apparently continue the tradition in college-only Crusader fans hope this move is permanent.
Mayo originally gained recognition as a seventh grader playing well-27 points, seven boards and three steals in his first game-against kids four and five years his senior (seventh graders can play on varsity high school teams in the state of Kentucky). After his migration to Ohio, he won three consecutive AP Poll titles and was named the Mr. Basketball of Ohio twice. For his senior year, he moved back home to Huntingdon, West Virginia and won a state title there, defeating runner-up South Charleston, 103-61. In his freshman year, Mayo averaged 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while playing in the Pacific Ten Conference.
At UD, Mayo sees not only an opportunity to improve on those numbers, but to improve on himself.
"At USC, I felt I was getting a very one-sided experience," Mayo told the University News. "That one side, basketball, was a very good side, but it wasn't the complete package. UD has more of the complete package."
The complete package Mayo refers to include certainly academics and athletics (although not, apparently NCAA tournaments, as indicated below), but also a character-building element. Mayo gained as much press for his transgressions growing up as he did for his exploits. During his senior year, he was cited for marijuana possession. In another case, he pushed over a referee after he ejected him from a game. Finally, in that state championship, he had to be ejected in the waning moments when he launched the ball into the stands after a dunk. As much as UD will improve his mind and body, his soul may be the big reclamation project.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Charles D.
posted 4/01/08 @ 8:53 PM CST
This must be an April fools Joke! How come it doesnt say it at the end of the article though.
http://www.order.com
derric
posted 4/01/08 @ 10:23 PM CST
This Just in...
Despite the Media once again over hyping a player's ability, Mayo Goes on to shine at USA. He Squashes the notion that he is 'selfish' arrogant and me-first player by involving his teammates this year at SC. (Continued…)
TC Fleming
posted 4/06/08 @ 3:45 AM CST
Derric,
I agree with all of your points on Mayo and see him as a kid as a pretty good guy who grew up in moderately difficult circumstances. The ref flopped worse than a soccer player, and a judge indicated as much. (Continued…)
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