Face Off Article: Bayless versus Mayo
Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 11:13 pm
Hey guys, I just finished writing an article with a buddy of mine regarding the topic of who should be selected with your pick. Please let me know what you guys think.
FACE-OFF: Jerryd Bayless versus OJ Mayo
Jerryd Bayless
Coming out of high school all the hype was on OJ Mayo. He was going to be the next big thing. While, he didn't exactly live up to the lofty expectations given to him during his one-year tenure at USC he didn't disappoint either. While, I have no doubts that OJ Mayo will be an all-star in the NBA I'm not sure I'd pick him over fellow Pac-Ten alum Jerryd Bayless.
With Bayless, I see a much more aggressive offensive player, which I think will make him more suited for the NBA game. Bayless has great handles and is explosive with a strong first step to help him get past his defender something I fail to see in Mayo. This gives Bayless the ability to create off the dribble, break his defender down and create his own shot when he needs to. Mayo on the other hand tends to settle for his outside jumper far too often due to his inability to attack his defender and get to the basket. Because of his aggressiveness Bayless gets to the charity stripe far more often that Mayo, something he'll have to continue to do if he wants to remain productive in the NBA. Not to mention Bayless is also an unselfish player which can be seen a negative as at times he make look to appear too passive when playing the half court game, not looking to get the offense flowing when it's obvious that he needs to be the spark.
Defensively, I'll have to give Mayo the edge over Bayless. Bayless has had trouble getting around screens and being listed at only 6'3'', his size at the position has been questioned by many. But to be honest, Mayo isn't much taller although he's officially listed at 6'5''. Despite this, Bayless does have the quickness and athleticism to stay in front with the best of them. He
FACE-OFF: Jerryd Bayless versus OJ Mayo
Jerryd Bayless
Coming out of high school all the hype was on OJ Mayo. He was going to be the next big thing. While, he didn't exactly live up to the lofty expectations given to him during his one-year tenure at USC he didn't disappoint either. While, I have no doubts that OJ Mayo will be an all-star in the NBA I'm not sure I'd pick him over fellow Pac-Ten alum Jerryd Bayless.
With Bayless, I see a much more aggressive offensive player, which I think will make him more suited for the NBA game. Bayless has great handles and is explosive with a strong first step to help him get past his defender something I fail to see in Mayo. This gives Bayless the ability to create off the dribble, break his defender down and create his own shot when he needs to. Mayo on the other hand tends to settle for his outside jumper far too often due to his inability to attack his defender and get to the basket. Because of his aggressiveness Bayless gets to the charity stripe far more often that Mayo, something he'll have to continue to do if he wants to remain productive in the NBA. Not to mention Bayless is also an unselfish player which can be seen a negative as at times he make look to appear too passive when playing the half court game, not looking to get the offense flowing when it's obvious that he needs to be the spark.
Defensively, I'll have to give Mayo the edge over Bayless. Bayless has had trouble getting around screens and being listed at only 6'3'', his size at the position has been questioned by many. But to be honest, Mayo isn't much taller although he's officially listed at 6'5''. Despite this, Bayless does have the quickness and athleticism to stay in front with the best of them. He