O.J. Mayo arrived at Galen Center on Tuesday evening with his new USC student identification card hanging around his neck. After spending the day getting settled into his new dorm room, he worked out with fellow incoming freshman Davon Jefferson on the Galen Center practice courts. He pointed out that the last time he stepped on those courts, during his official visit last November, he had to wear a hard hat because they were still under construction.

Despite the departure of last season’s top players — Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt — to the NBA, Mayo isn’t backing away from his goal for USC to win a national title in what will probably be his only year at the school.

“I still think we can win a national championship, it’s just going to be a tad harder,” Mayo said. “We’re not going to be as experienced as some teams but we’ll play hard. Every time we get on the floor, we’ll get after it.”

Without Young and Pruitt, the Trojans will have to be Mayo’s team. That’s part of the reason he wanted to arrive at USC in the summer. He plans to work out daily with his new teammates.

“I wanted to come out early so we can gel as a team,” Mayo said. “Most of these guys have played together before. I’m just worried about the team aspect and trying to fit in. Hopefully we can gel before the season starts and be a step ahead.”

Even after he announced his commitment to USC in November, there were many doubters as to whether Mayo would end up playing for the Trojans. Likely a top-five pick in the June 28th NBA draft if not for the recent rule requiring players to be one year out of high school to enter the league, Mayo could have chosen to go overseas for a year, sign a shoe contract and already be a millionaire before he enters the NBA.

USC fans can breathe a sigh of relief. O.J. is in the building, draining one 3-pointer after another off passes from an electric ball machine.

“I had a plan and I stuck with it,” Mayo said. “I think USC is the best fit for me. It’s a good opportuinty for me to get away from home and get focused. I think it’s going to be great to be part of the Trojan family.”