Posted Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006; 11:00 a.m.

O.J. Mayo Commits to USC
Nation's number one basketball recurit sends binding letter of intent to USC.

By Christopher Lawlor
The L.A. Pilot

Instead of waiting for the late signing period in April, the nation's top-ranked basketball player says he signed his binding national letter-of-intent Wednesday with the University of Southern California.

Mayo, a 6-5 guard from Huntington (W.Va.) High, confirmed he signed on to play for USC. He said he told USC coach Tim Floyd on Tuesday that he would sign with the Trojans over Kentucky, Louisville, Kansas State and Florida.

The Associated Press reported that USC assistant coach Bob Cantu said the school received the signed letter of intent by fax Wednesday. "We felt that we could provide O.J. with the opportunity to learn from a former NBA coach," Cantu said, referring to Floyd, a former coach of the Chicago Bulls.

Mayo's childhood friend, 6-6 Bill Walker, signed with Kansas State last week. The duo helped North College Hill (Cincinnati) win the last two Ohio Division III state championships. When Walker's eligibility expired this year, Mayo transferred to his hometown school.

"I think USC is the best situation for me," Mayo said. "It's the perfect opportunity with coach (Tim) Floyd there. He coached in the NBA and knows what it takes to reach the league.

"Plus, Los Angeles is great city, unlike a small college town where all eyes would be on my every move. I just want to blend in and enjoy my time at school," he says.

This weekend, Mayo will take his official visit to USC.

He added, signing with the Trojans was "solely my decision, there wasn't anyone else influencing me."

Mayo's college decision was the second positive on Tuesday. Mayo also learned he scored a 29 on the ACT, a college entrance exam, and is on target for admission to USC.

Mayo previously visited the Los Angeles campus unofficially and was impressed with the school's new state-of-the-art, 10,258-seat Galen Center. "Los Angeles is a great basketball city and needs a (college) powerhouse," Mayo says.

"It's the perfect situation," Mayo said. "After (football) players like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, the school is ready for a player of my caliber."