The charade is over and we've finally reached that day. O.J. Mayo is heading to the NBA Draft. Mayo has announced that he will leave USC after his freshman season and enter the draft.

"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."

"This comes as no surprise," coach Tim Floyd said in the statement. "We are appreciative of everything O.J. did for all of us the year he was with us. We wish him well. I have no doubt that he will be a great professional."

O.J. Mayo Is Entering the NBA Draft originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just three days after losing to Memphis in the NCAA Tournament semifinals, UCLA's Kevin Love and Darren Collison are reportedly entering the NBA Draft.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday that Kevin Love and Darren Collison have both decided to make themselves available for June's NBA draft. Citing sources close to the players, the newspaper said that Love and Collison told coach Ben Howland of their decisions in separate meetings.

The newspaper reported that the two will hire agents, making them ineligible to return to the Bruins next season.

According to NBADraft.net, Love is projected to go in the back end of the lottery (in the 10-15 range), while Collison is around the #20 slot. Many people, including bloggers here at FanHouse, have speculated about what kind of career Love will have in the NBA. Some feel he could be a long-time starter ... while others feel he'll be a bust.

Interestingly, they have Russell Westbrook at the #9 pick ... and he hasn't declared for the draft. Yet.

UCLA's Kevin Love, Darren Collison Are Reportedly Entering NBA Draft originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UCLA's Kevin Love is the NCAA tournament's most talked about player west of Stephen Curry. With Love projected to be a lottery pick, his NBA future is on many people's minds. Not just the normal if he'll go, but what kind of NBA player will he be once he gets there?

So, we got our top hoops minds together to discuss this.

Charles Rich: I'm not so sure he will translate as well to the NBA. I see him much like Shane Battier -- a great college player and a solid NBA player. Great for team chemistry and smart.

Josh Alper: When I read the negatives about Love for the next level I always think that they're trying to find things that are wrong with him rather than stuff that's right. It's true, he isn't freakishly athletic but he's a fantastic basketball player. He's a strong passer, good shooter, goes 100% every minute of the game and knows how to maximize every one of his skills. That's pretty good.

Even if he did turn out like Battier, what's so awful about that? A guy who makes his teammates better and does it happily while helping his team win. I'll take that over a more talented Zach Randolph-type of player.

Ty Keenan: The difference there is that Battier is a terrific defender and Love -- despite his seven blocks against Texas A&M -- is really only passable in that area. The other big difference is that Battier is primarily a jump shooter while Love is a post scorer. Pretty much anybody can get an open corner three in the NBA, but Love will probably have some difficulty scoring over guys who are much bigger and more athletic than he is. I think he'll be reasonably productive just because he's so skilled, but his ceiling is much, much lower than the other well-regarded big men in this class.

Josh: I hear you regarding the expectations, but that's exactly my point about Battier. Superstar or Bust seem to be the only avenues available but 95% of the time the answer is somewhere in the middle. I wouldn't build my team around Love but I'd be surprised if he didn't make a decent team better either. A guy like Jordan might be more athletic and have a higher ceiling but I think there's a better chance he never reaches it.

Ty: The issue is that those negative things necessarily cap his worth at the NBA level. To me, a discussion like this one is as much about managing our expectations for him as much as it's about saying how good he'll be. I really do think he'll be a solid player for quite a few years, but anyone who drafts him in the lottery will be getting a solid player and nothing more. And the fact of the matter is that most lottery teams need something more than a solid player. He reminds me a lot of Sean May in that regard.

Nathan Fowler: My feeling is that if Love gets on an NBA conditioning program and sheds a few pounds he could easily be a Carlos Boozer type player in the NBA - yeah, he'll never be a terrific defender but he's a strong scorer in the low post and he's a GREAT rebounder - that part can't be downplayed, he's going to be a beast on the glass for someone. There are very few teams that can't use a terrific defensive rebounder with solid offensive skills and above average passing skills in the low post - no matter what the defensive limitations (and defensive rebounding is a big part of defensive skills anyways).

Ty: Oh, I definitely agree with you on that. My only point was that he's much more valuable to a playoff team than he is to a lottery team.

Nathan: I think Love's career in the NBA will depend on his willingness to give up Big Macs and hit the treadmill. If he does, he'll be an All-Star. If he stays heavy and plays out of shape or worse, gets hurt, then he's a bust. Teams are really going to have to judge his willingness to change his body.

Sportz Assassin: I think Love will not be an NBA star ... but he can last in the league for a long, long time. He's got a knack for rebounding because of his wide shoulders, knowledge and effort. That can get you in the league.

What will make him stick is the fact he can already hit an 18-foot jump shot. In today's NBA, a guy like Love can make a living being a tough rebounder and hitting that open shot at the top of the key or at the elbows. Horace Grant was outstanding at this with the Bulls. Some have called him a shorter Brad Miller or Mehmet Okur.

Adam Rank: I'm one of those guys who watches college hoops, but doesn't really care much for the NBA. I don't understand why we people try to knock his NBA ability during the middle of UCLA's attempt for a third consecutive Final Four. I agree with Josh that it seems like people are looking for a reason to bash him. He has great skills at the college level, and that's pretty much all I care about although I do believe he could play in the NBA.

Of course, I said that about Nick Fazekas, too.

Ryan Ferguson: I'm with you, Adam. It bothers me a little bit when a college player is already being evaluated for his pro potential as though his college career is nothing more than a warm-up for the NBA draft. As far as I'm concerned, when a player's college career is over, that's when my interest shifts to another emerging player. I'd prefer to appreciate Love for what he brings to the table right now in the college hoops environment. He's a hoot to watch.

Sportz: In Love's case ... it is. He wouldn't be at UCLA if the NBA didn't have their age limit in place. Just like Beasley, Mayo and some of the others. I have issues with the rule (I think it should model the NFL's rule of three years removed), but that's a discussion for another day.

Ty: Well, as someone who watches college and NBA basketball with equal amounts of attention, I can tell you that it's impossible to watch a good college player and not project his NBA career. However, in no way does that stop me from respecting and appreciating what he does at UCLA. He's not my favorite player in the world on a stylistic level, but I would never call him anything less than a terrific college basketball player. But the fact of the matter is that NBA success represents the desired pinnacle of his career, so it's unavoidable for people to think about that, too. At the same time, I don't think that NBA talk should enter into any discussion of his worth as a college player, and that includes during game broadcasts.

FanHouse Roundtable: What Kind of NBA Player Will Kevin Love Be? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Using a 28-7 run to end the first half, the UCLA Bruins are cruising against Western Kentucky. At the break, they lead their Sweet 16 game with the Hilltoppers, 41-20.

It's the classic matchup between a #1 seed and a #12: the bigger and faster team is taking care of business.

UCLA's offense and defense are just so efficient. Offensively, the Bruins are shooting 51%. They are dominating the paint with Kevin Love and James Keefe and pretty much getting whatever shot they want.

Defensively, the Bruins are holding WKU to just 19% shooting (an ugly 6-of-32). The Hilltoppers' star, Courtney Lee, has scored just five points on 2-of-13 shooting. Nearly every attempt by Western Kentucky is challenged and UCLA is constantly pressing in the half court.

Better news for UCLA fans: Josh Shipp has found his stroke. After scoring just six total points in the Bruins first two tournament games, Shipp has eight at the break ... including a three point shot.

For all those forced to watch the rest of the game (aren't they switching to the exciting Louisville-Tennessee game?), play a little game of Horny Bill Raftery. Already ... courtesy of Awful Announcing ... he has come up with these gems:

-"He was strokin' with the best of them!"
-"He used to sleep on a roll-up mattress. I can relate to that."
-"Everybody hugging their guy."
-"Thrust of the fist!"
-After Verne Lundquist says, "the answer is take it off." ... Bill replies: "Late at night I favor that myself."
-"Great use of the bounce....to ECSTASY!"

And this exchange:

Verne: "There is Love lurking."
Bill: "That's every man's dream. To have love lurking."
Verne: "I'm working with a man without shame."
Bill: "Hey join the club....it's painful."

UCLA Locks Down and Dominates Western Kentucky at the Half originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rental Man Dances at UCLA Game originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Dad's spirits are good," [daughter Nan] Muehlhausen said in a statement. "He is up and joking around with the family. He will probably be in the hospital for a couple of more days before he goes home."

"We appreciate everyone's concern, but we are requesting that people do not call the hospital and do not try to visit Dad at this time," Muehlhausen said.

UCLA Legend John Wooden Falls; Fractures Wrist and Collarbone originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Percy 'Lil Romeo' Miller Talks USC Hoops originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nowadays, we come across a so-called "the game of the century" seemingly every year (didn't the Patriots have a few of them in the past NFL season?) that it has become cliche. Even the people giving that moniker know it.

However, on January 20, 1968 ... exactly 40 years ago today ... we had the actual thing. #1 UCLA, led by Lew Alcinder, against #2 Houston, with Elvin Hayes in the middle, in Houston's Astrodome in front of 52,629 fans. UCLA was riding a 47-game winning streak (spanning over two-plus seasons) that included a win over Houston in the 1967 Final Four. That was Houston's last defeat heading into this contest.

Not only was this a great game (Hayes hit two free throws to give the Cougars the 71-69 win) but it may have been one of the most important college basketball games ever. This was the first NCAA hoops game to be broadcast nationally in prime time. Up to that point, only postseason games were televised nationally and there was quite a buzz about the non-profit NCAA putting a regular season game out there like this.

In some ways, it birthed "March Madness". Sure, Magic vs Bird helped turn it into the spectacle that it is today, but this game fathered the idea that there could be a madness part of the tournament. People wanted to see games like this. It also put the thought of having basketball games in football/basketball domed stadiums ... something so radical at the time. Because of the success of this game, the Final Four went to the Astrodome in 1971, then the 1982 Final Four went to the Louisiana Superdome. Since 1996, every Final Four has been held in a domed-stadium.

Remembering the Houston-UCLA 'Game of the Century' 40 Years Later originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 04:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Has a Hoops Rivalry Again originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The heralded freshman guard said Tuesday afternoon when he met with the media at Heritage Hall that he intended to return for a second year of college unless he was guaranteed to become a lottery pick in the NBA draft -- a proposition that for now is considered likely.

"Right now, I plan on staying more than one year unless my situation changes and I have an opportunity to make a living for my family," Mayo said. "Right now, I'm focusing on my education, and I'm hoping next year if I do return -- which I plan on -- I'd like to go into business management and real estate investments."

O.J. Mayo Handles Dumb Questions originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Love just enrolled at the University of California Los Angeles, but he cannot escape talk about leaving early to play in the NBA.

The winner of the Gatorade High School All-American Athlete of the Year sat down with the FanHouse to talk about life in Los Angeles, his rivalry with O.J. Mayo and why neither UCLA nor USC hang Final Four banners in the rafters at their schools. He also did not get the dis-invitation to Steve Lavin's wedding, if you were wondering.

Although we attended another Los Angeles school famous for winning National Championships--in football--this FanHouse correspondent was nevertheless impressed with Love's humility, agility and intelligence as he handled even the toughest of our trick questions.

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FanHouse Exclusive: Interview With Kevin Love originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Love, Moore Make Basketball Sweep for Gatorade High School Award originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 5-10 guard gave an oral commitment to USC coach Tim Floyd on Sunday. Boatright was at USC for a basketball camp over the weekend. Word leaked out on Monday that Floyd had offered Boatright a scholarship. The family announced the commitment Tuesday.

"It was just a coincidence," Tanesha Boatright, Ryan's mother, said. "Ryan has always loved USC and North Carolina. So when one of his favorite schools offered him a scholarship, he couldn't pass it up."

DePaul and Indiana both expressed interest in Boatright, but USC was the first school to offer. Floyd made quite an impression on the family.

"He was just amazing," Tanesha Boatright said. "Such a warm, nice man. He made us feel so comfortable. He was awesome. You couldn't have asked for anything more."

Tim Floyd Snags 14-Year-Old Ryan Boatright originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After finishing my Raja Bell post yesterday, I started to think about what player in college reminded me most of Raja Bell. After initially struggling to find someone, it eventually became clear that Aaron Afflalo can be Raja Bell in the NBA. He's an undersized two guard who's made his name on defense and outside shooting. NBA scouts knock him for his lack of length and lack of athletic ability, believing that a long athletic defender can shut him down offensively. These days, scouts are using Afflalo's performance against the length of Corey Brewer as proof that he'll have trouble against those types of players in the NBA. I can't say that I disagree with them much on that front. But why is it that scouts are always looking for superstar player in the draft? And why is it they are always willing to waste a first-round pick on a seven footer with perceived potential? Sometimes, for a good team, adding a good role player that works hard, has a positive attitude, and is a proven winner is something that can be more valuable than a player that has all of the potential in the world. Aaron carries himself in a manner that I wished all star college athletes would (I even told his dad such when I met him at the NCAA tournament last year).

Aaron Afflalo: The Next Raja Bell? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Starting Five Ever? Houston With Akeem and Clyde originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lorenzo Mata Should Try Underhand Free Throws originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UCLA in the Final Four, But Hasn't Earned a Banner Yet originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 08:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"I heard Wilbon was taking shots at him, and I guess if he was a college coach he wouldn't recruit him, but I'll tell you this much: If he wouldn't recruit guys like O.J. Mayo, then I'd like to schedule Mike Wilbon."

Tim Floyd Lashes Out at Mike Wilbon, Other O.J. Mayo Critics originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mayo was among four males cited on misdemeanor marijuana possession charges in Huntington, West Virginia, late last night.

Cabell County Sheriff's Deputy Doug Adams says officers serving a search warrant at a house pulled over a Cadillac they deemed suspicious and Mayo was a passenger.

He says the driver had a small amount of marijuana on him and there was marijuana in a spare set of shoes in the back of the car.

USC Star Recruit O.J. Mayo Busted for Marijuana originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 12:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Pac-10 is Ranked. And Getting Votes. Votes are Good Too. originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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