James Dunleavy
Rory MacDonald, TrojanWire
(Image by Robert Hanashiro/USA Today)
A 20-year-old that already has the media skills of a savvy veteran?
"I'm just a ballplayer. Am I a competitive ballplayer? Yeah. Do I want to win? Do I really want to work harder than anyone? Yeah... I just have a God-given ability to play basketball, and I want to use that to the utmost to support my family and support myself. I'm no better than you. I'm no better than the man on the corner with a 'Hungry' sign. I just have a talent, and I want to use it."
O.J. Mayo's basketball skills will be evident from the get-go when USC tips off this Saturday at the Galen Center (1 pm).
Player bios after the jump.
Mayo bringing a positive vibe to Southern Cal [USA Today]
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By Matthew Kredell, Talking USC basketball with Matthew Kredell
Looks like all the freshmen are practicing except Angelo Johnson, who is still awaiting word from the NCAA Clearinghouse. Walk-on James Dunleavy, son of Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy and brother Indiana Pacers player Mike Dunleavy Jr., is participating in his first USC practice. Dunleavy went to Harvard-Westlake High in Studio City. Daniel Hackett is practicing. I'll find out later... more »
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Rory MacDonald, TrojanWire
O.J. Mayo (Image from USCtrojans.com)
It's been all football with the start of Fall camp this week. But USC sports fans will have something to look forward to (even after the football season).
The Return of Taj:
He was one of just five freshmen to record 11 or more double-doubles during the season, with two of the others being the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2007 NBA Draft -- Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.
The #1 recruiting class in the nation:
"O.J. can play the point or the two-guard position. Given our lack of returning firepower, I'm not sure what his role will be, but we will probably use him at both positions. I love his poise, instincts, maturity, toughness, understanding of the game and ability to make baskets," says Tim Floyd.
"Davon (Jefferson) is a versatile player," said Floyd. "He seems equally comfortable whether he is facing the basket or posting up which will give us the opportunity to take advantage of different matchups. He has an uncanny ability to score and rebound the ball."
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