“I plan on making a living at this. I know that’s going to be a lot of hard work and determination. But I feel like that’s why I was born and put on this Earth, to be a leader, to be one of the greatest basketball players to ever play and to be a great example and role model for the kids and for different people out there who look up toward me.” – O.J. Mayo

“I have a goal to be a NBA Hall of Famer. That’s what drives me.”

“Los Angeles is a great basketball city and needs a (college) powerhouse. It’s the perfect situation. After (football) players like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, the school is ready for a player of my caliber.”

“I think USC is the best situation for me. 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”

Mayo also said that signing with the Trojans was “solely my decision, there wasn’t anyone else influencing me.”

“He’s [Mayo] probably second only to LeBron James in the last five or six years in terms of perimeter players coming out of high school”

“It’s a great day for USC. I think he has the ability to change this program for the long haul. With him coming and the new Galen Center, it’s a tremendous time for us.”