Posted 9/19 at 8:52 AM
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Mayo in a Grizzlies uniform looks to be a dreamy combination
O.J. Mayo has arrived!!! The Grizzlies prized rookie guard out of USC is in Memphis to prepare for the opening of Grizzlies training camp, which will start Tuesday, September 30. Mayo sat down with Tumble’s Rumbles for a conversation about being a rookie in the NBA, the Grizzlies upcoming 2008-09 season and what it was like to play for the United States Select team that helped prepare Team USA for their gold medal run in Beijing.
Tumble’s Rumbles: What do you expect to bring to the team this season?
O.J. Mayo: I just want to compete when I come in here.
TR: What are your expectations for the young Grizzlies team this year?
OJM: This season I want us to get better each and every time that we step on the floor.
TR: What are your thoughts on being initiated to Coach Iavaroni’s offense?
OJM: It’s gone really good so far. It is basically the same offense that we ran during summer league, so I’m really getting used to it at this point.
TR: Is there anyone that you are looking forward to going up against this season, like Kobe, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, etc.?
OJM: I’m looking forward to playing everybody. There are good players on every team. This is a special league and every night I’m going to be playing against a very good player.
TR: What was it like to play on the US Select team that helped prepare the Olympic team this year?... Did playing against the NBA’s best give you a taste of what’s to come this season?
OJM: It was probably the best experience of my life. I learned more about playing against them than I have in any other workout I’ve ever had, so thus far, it was the best experience I’ve had in my short career.
TR: What is your favorite part about Memphis so far?
OJM: I love Memphis. I love everything about it. The barbeque is fantastic. It has really been great to me so far.
If you want to read more from this interview with Mayo come to the Grizzlies regular home opener against the Orlando Magic on October 31 and check out a game program where you can find a feature article with more from this interview.
Posted 9/19 at 8:52 AM
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I am not really Happy at this moment because you guys changed the date for OJ Mayo to come to a block party and I was looking forward to it but now I wont be able to meet him. I think yal should make a date and stick with it!
I agree! O.J. Mayo was coming to my itty bitty town of Collierville but Rudy Gay is coming so it’s cool they’re both amazing. I’m just happy Mayo’s in Memphis and I can’t wait until the season starts.
Mayo…Gay…Conley…Haddadi…one more draft pick away from havin a consistent playoff bound team! And if worse comes to worse…..we still have the Tigers!
Ive watched oj played since he was a little boy. He was always the best player at not basketball, but at any other sport he was playing.He seems to be always getting a bad rap, but I know he will not only make himself and his family proud of him and huntington wv. Everyone will see what kind of a winner this kid is. Good luck oj