That O.J. Mayo-Michael Beasley talk that lasted nearly a week fizzled in the first half. The heralded freshmen combined for only 12 points in the first half (seven by Mayo, only two shots for Beasley), when Kansas State went into the locker room with a 10-point lead to the dismay of the small USC contingent at the Qwest Center.
Among the observers is athletic director Mike Garrett, who was asked before the game if he thought there was any chance that Mayo would return for his sophomore season. “Let’s win a few games first,” Garrett said, declining to give an opinion.
Garrett also said that future recruiting of players who might leave after one season, as Mayo has the opportunity to do, won’t be hasty decisions. Garrett said that Mayo promised to finish his classwork for the school year so that the Trojans do not have to forfeit his scholarship slot if he decides to leave.
“That’s the agreement,” said Garrett, who said Mayo has fulfilled every expectation during his freshman year. “In the next years, we’ll go case by case. We’re looking for character.”