oj-mayo.jpg The Draft Review - The Draft Review minnesota The Draft Review - The Draft Review

Strengths: Possesses legit three point range with excellent shooting mechanics … Has become much better at pacing himself and trying to be more patient offensively, which dogged him earlier this season … Has a great feel for the game that can’t be taught … Improving at getting his teammates involved with unselfish play as of late … Perimeter defense is surprisingly very effective for a freshman … While not a dominating athlete, he shows quick hands and anticipation skills to play passing lanes … Is an extremely effective shooter coming off screens or shooting in transition … Initial first step allows him to get great separation from his defender … Once in the lane his body control and assortment of floaters enables him to complete difficult finishes … Good ball handling allows him the ability to play some point guard … Has a good understanding of how to move without the ball in his hands … Natural scorer whose creativity in the open court is exceptional … Extremely confident player who feels that he can score on anyone … Court vision is very good for a combo guard where he is a quality passer … Possesses a highly competitive nature to win no matter the cost … When Mayo puts his mind to attacking the basket his body strength enables him to absorb contact and finish … Mature player who has been able to withstand the hype that has followed him since 8th grade without letting it get to his head...

Weakness: Perimeter shooting can go through periods of inconsistency … Tends to gamble too much on defense trying to get the steal … Although his maturity level is great there are times when Mayo is prone to shooting questionable shots … Seems to struggle offensively when playing in a half court set - he clearly excels in an up-tempo offense … Should be viewed as a combo guard who has yet to master the point guard position - his height and slightly above average athleticism aren’t on the premium level for a shooting guard … Doesn’t always play aggressively and attack the basket by driving - often settles for jumpers, which is the reason he doesn’t get to the free throw line as much as someone with his talent should … Shoots better off the move opposed to when his feet are set or on step-ins … In the past few years, Mayo hasn’t developed by leaps and bounds compared to his peers Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley … This could be due to the fact that he is beginning to peak or that he’s a year older than most freshman … Is prone to making poor decisions when the ball is in his hands, which is why he is so turnover prone … Some of these turnovers are a result of trying too much for the spectacular play …

Matthew Maurer - 1/27/08

Statistics

SEASONS

GP

FG%

3PT%

FT%

SPG

BPG

RPG

APG

PPG

2007-08 Southern California

33

44.2

40.9

80.3

1.5

0.4

4.5

3.3

20.7

DIV I Totals

33

44.2

40.9

80.3

1.5

0.4

4.5

3.3

20.7

 

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