Continuing MemphisRoar’s Memphis Prep Spotlight Series, which is grounded in Coach Pastner’s inside-out recruiting philosophy, we would like to introduce Todd Mayo. Mayo, a Houston High School standout and member of a loaded Memphis Magic (AAU) team, is yet another local talent who is drawing division one interest. Determined to distinguish himself from his well-known older brother O.J., Todd has developed himself into a very prolific shooting guard.
Mayo, a 6’3, 185 lbs. guard, just finished his first year of high school ball after moving to Memphis with his family. Todd’s brother O.J. currently plays for the Grizzlies, and being only a few miles away from where his older brother plays was a big factor in Todd’s move. “He’s definitely one of the reasons I wanted to move down here,” Mayo told the Herald-Dispatch last year. “He’s taught me a lot this summer. I’m more serious about basketball now.” (Link)
Todd is a legitimate scoring guard with a knack for putting the ball in the basket. In his sophomore year before his move to Memphis, Mayo averaged 22.6 points per game, shot 47% from the floor, led his team to an undefeated season, and concluded the season with the Ohio Valley Conference title. During his past season for Houston High School, Mayo continued where he left off, averaging 23 points and showing continued improvement on both offense and defense.
Mayo told MemphisRoar that he would be working out with his brother this summer, something that he also did last year. “I’m going to work out with my brother and just try to get my game better,” Mayo said. “I really want to get my name out there. Make my own name, not O.J.’s brother, but my own name.” Distinguishing himself from his brother, although not an easy task, is something that Todd Mayo is moving closer to every day. “I’m hungry for basketball, big time. I really am hungry to go out and make a name for myself” Mayo told MemphisRoar.
When asked what colleges are pursuing him at the time, Mayo replied, “Marshall, Akron, Ole Miss, USC of course, and Stanford. I haven’t gotten any offers yet, just mailings and some calls.” (Note: Interview was conducted before the firing of Tim Floyd-USC). Mayo was unsure when he would make his decision, but he informed MemphisRoar that prep school is a strong possibility. About his commitment decision, Mayo stated: “At the beginning to middle of my senior year. I may even wait later, because I think I’m going to go to prep school.”
With Josh Pastner’s new approach to recruiting, focusing more on an inside-out approach and keeping the elite Memphis high school players in Memphis, Mayo said that it did not change the way in which he viewed Memphis. “Memphis is still Memphis,” Mayo replied, “I just want to play for the city.” Mayo had this to say about Coach Pastner’s philosophy: “Personally, I like it…it’s nice to be able to see some of the talent around here stay at home.” When asked what he would like to see from the new Memphis coach, Mayo said, “I’m not really looking for anything from him. He’s not like Cal, so it’s good. He’s willing to come after the local kids. I just want to make myself better and faster. I WANT to be better. I just like how Coach Pastner is, really, and I’m trying to get my game to his level.”
Getting Mayo’s game to Pastner’s level is something that has motivated Mayo to put in a lot of work. “I play hard,” Mayo said. “I get after and I don’t back down from anything or anybody. I try to get my teammates involved and then get mine. Like Coach Donnie (youth coach) told me, ‘you can only go one way…you’re either getting better or falling off.’”
When asked what position Todd saw himself playing in college, Todd replied, “Point guard.” And what does Mayo have that most other point guard prospects do not have? “I’m a lot bigger than most point guards. Most are like 150, but I’m around 190.” Despite the obvious size advantage Mayo will have in college, Mayo admitted that he would need to work on his ball handling and shooting.
Mayo, poised to have a great summer and senior year, is hoping to elevate his game to another level. Mayo’s athleticism and desire to get better will only help propel him to the next level.
More Q&A With Todd Mayo
Q: Has anyone from Memphis talked to you about how they would like to use you?
A: “They talk about it, but no one has told me face-to-face. They just talk about how they like to run and get up the floor. That fits me.”
Q: Who is your favorite college basketball player to watch?
A: “Probably Stef Curry. I like how he come off the screen and shoots it.
Q: What college player would you compare yourself most with?
A: “I don’t know really. I hear a lot that I look like my brother when I play. Similar game.”
Q: Who is your favorite NBA player?
A: “My brother (laughing out loud).”
Q: Do you have any superstitions or anything before a game?
A; “Not really, I just pray before all of my games.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: “Fresh Prince”
To reach Clark, email tigereyeMR@gmail.com
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