NBA Draft Prospects: A look at USC Swingman O.J. Mayo

USC swingman OJ Mayo is another college Freshman we can put on the "one and done" list. 

Mayo is going to be one of the more athletic guards that will declare for the NBA draft this year.  At 6'4" he is going to be a 'tweener in the NBA.

Ben Gordon or Chauncey Billups are the types of players that come to mind when I see Mayo.  Mayo's strengths as a guard are strength, quickness, athleticism, and a nice jumper.  His leadership qualities seem to be questionable, however.

Mayo also needs to work on the intangibles of the game so he doesn't become the next Isaiah Rider. His ability to lead and improve the play of his teammates will grow as he adapts to a more phyisical game as well as develops better playing relationships with his teammates. 

Mayo will play the 2-guard spot in the NBA which will make him one of the smallest shooting guards in the league.  If he is able to hone his fundamental skills, his athleticism will make up for lack of height.

Mayo will be a lottery pick but it all depends on how the lottery ends up.  He is turnover prone right now but he is being asked to do much more now on his USC squad then he will be relied on to do at the next level. 

The major thing I think Mayo needs to work on is a team-first attitude.  There are times where he will try to go 1-on-5 trying to make a highlight reel play, rather then finding a teammate for an open shot. 

He also needs to make sure he doesn't get too passive in his shot selection by relying soley on his jump shot and forgetting to attack the rim.  

Mayo has a great basketball IQ and is very confident with his skill as a player.  This will definitely help him in the NBA to keep the rookie jitters away.  He has the scoring ability and saavyness for his teammates to rely on him in clutch situations. 

He also takes to the spotlight and will be willing to take and make big shots in the NBA.