O.J. Mayo SELECTED BY: Minnesota Timberwolves, Round 1(3)

SI Rank 9 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: A definite lottery pick and potential top-five selection, Mayo was outstanding in his only college season despite facing almost unreachable expectations. However, he's currently mired in a scandal in which he reportedly received cash and other benefits from an agency while in high school and Southern Cal before officially signing with that agency this spring. Regardless, given his upside, his recent troubles will not ward many teams off. He led USC in scoring (20.7), steals (51), 3-pointers (88) and assists (109). He was an All-Pac-10 first-team selection and established the school freshman single-season record with 684 points and 88 3-pointers. His point total was the second-most ever in a season by a Trojan and his 3-pointers the third-most in history. Besides his statistical accomplishments, Mayo helped USC to a 21-12 record, giving it back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since 2001-02. Mayo's brief college career, however, ended with a loss to fellow freshman phenom Michael Beasley and Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Mayo scored 20 points, but shot 6-for-16 from the field and never got into an offensive rhythm. There is little doubt that Mayo has all the tools necessary to be a star in the NBA. He possesses tremendous skill and is a fierce competitor that plays with great confidence and intensity. Because he is so strong physically, Mayo can overpower most opposing guards and that helps him drive to the basket without fear. Likely will play the point at the next level, meaning his passing skills will need to improve. There is some concern because he finished his only college season with more turnovers than assists, but probably wouldn't be asked to run an offense in his rookie year. Mayo must work on keeping teammates involved in the offense instead of becoming a one-man show.