USC Trojans freshman guard O.J. Mayo is turning pro after just one year of college basketball.  The move is not a surprise and was expected even before he attended his first class at Southern Cal.

Mayo seemed to grow into the college game during the past season after a rather slow start. He stated his gratitude towards though that helped make it a positive experience for him in making his announcement to go pro.

“I am so thankful for the fans and alumni at USC and around the nation that have been so supportive of me and my teammates throughout the season,” Mayo said in a statement. “I’d like to express my appreciation to my coaches and teammates for their support in one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made.”

O.J.’s draft value has gone up and down throughout his one season of college play.  He likely would have gone higher in the draft right out of high school.  He has a strong NBA body, and although is not great at the point, should make a very solid shooting guard in the NBA.

Here is what the mock NBA Drafts are projecting currently for Mayo:

• Minnesota Timberwolves 3rd - NBADraft.net
• Memphis Grizzlies 5th - MyNBADraft.com
• New York Knicks 5th - DraftExpress.com
• Charlotte Bobcats 8th - InsideHoops.com
• Memphis Grizzlies 4th - ESPN.com
• Memphis Grizzlies 5th - HoopsHype.com

The NBA Draft Lottery held in a few weeks will determine the draft order of the teams that don’t make the NBA Playoffs.  The team with the best chance at the overall #1 pick will be the Miami Heat who folded up shop and conceded the season months ago.