Catching up with O.J. Mayo
Since the season ended for the Grizzlies last April, nobody in the NBA has been working harder to improve his game than Memphis’ O.J. Mayo. This past week, Mayo was one of the few NBA stars to be selected to take part in the Team USA mini-camp in Las Vegas. After scoring 13 points and collecting four assists against some of the top young basketball players in the world, Mayo caught up with Grizzlies.com at his O.J. Mayo Skills Camp at FedExForum on Monday, July 27.
Before the Team USA mini-camp began, you practiced with the Grizzlies’ summer league squad along with Rudy Gay and Mike Conley. What did you think of the summer league squad?
I was happy that they really did well. They did better than I thought because I know how hard the transition is. It’s hard getting adjusted to the NBA, the officials and the rules. They did a really, really good job. I wanted to be there so I could work out with the guys and watch them play in the summer league. I wanted to give them some advice on some of the things I went through my rookie year and my summer league last year.
What was it like to be invited to the Team USA mini-camp?
For Rudy and me, it was a great opportunity because we have a chance to represent our country in basketball. To get an opportunity to be part of the 2010 World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Games is definitely a great chance for us, especially after what Team USA did in Beijing last summer. We had a lot of fun. It’s some of the best young talent in the NBA. It was a great time just coming out every day and competing for a few select spots. I loved the opportunity to play in an arena again with a big crowd. It gets you ready for the season. It got me excited.
What was it like gaining a reputation in camp as a player who was willing to dive on the floor for a loose ball or hustle for a rebound?
It’s an honor to play for Team USA and possibly the next Olympic Games. It was an opportunity, so I wanted to play hard and just try to find a spot (on the team). I couldn’t tell you the last time I was really working for a spot. Just to have the opportunity meant a lot to me. I just wanted to get down and get dirty.
What leadership experience did you gain in Las Vegas?
I learned to lead by example. We have a young team; Team USA is also young. I just watched guys like Andre Iguodala and Devin Harris; guys who have put a lot of work in this league in a short time period at a young age. These are guys that have had the opportunity to play in playoff games. I especially listened to how they talked and how they get better in the offseason.
How did it feel to be Rudy’s teammate again during the Team USA game and connect with him on an alleyoop dunk?
It was funny because Rudy and I have been working out here in Memphis since May. We’ve been talking on a week-to-week basis. It was cool for us to be on the same team during the Team USA game. On a break he was running the wing and I forgot we had “U.S.A.” on our chest. I had the opportunity to throw the lob and he finished. It was great.
What do you expect out of Rudy next season?
It’s been fun watching Rudy get better this offseason. It really has me pumped up. I think Rudy and me are on the same path. Hopefully we can put together some success early in our careers. I understand he’s as serious as I am and we’re definitely ready to get better and improve our team this season.
