ALL'S QUIET ON THE MAYO FRONT TROJANS, OTHERS ARE AWAITING DECISION.

Byline: MATTHEW KREDELL Staff Writer

O.J. Mayo isn't expected to fax a letter of intent to USC or any other college today, the first day prep basketball players can put their commitment in writing for the 2007-08 season, though it's difficult to know what is going on with the much-hyped standout these days.

Mayo has been as reclusive as J.D. Salinger since he announced his transfer to hometown Huntington High in West Virginia from North College Hill in Ohio in late August. He has changed his cell phone number three times in the past two months, according to sources.

``He's the mystery man, that's for sure,'' said rivals.com recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer. ``I don't know exactly what's going on there. You hear things. You talk to people semi-close to the situation. But I don't know that anyone really knows what O.J. is thinking.''

A two-time Mr. Basketball in Ohio, Mayo could be the most significant basketball recruit in USC history. The 6-foot-4 guard, who averaged 28 points as a junior, would go straight to the NBA as a lottery pick if not for the recent league rule prohibiting players from entering the draft until they are 19 years old and one year out of high school.

Mayo reportedly was set to orally commit to USC at the Reebok ABCD summer camp in July. But a scheduled news conference at the New Jersey event was canceled.

``The people who controlled him wanted him in Southern California,'' said one source, who was a friend of Mayo. ``I think it was a declaration of independence when he didn't commit. If he's going to USC, it will be because it's where he wants to go.''

Rodney Guillory, a Los Angeles-based event promoter, is a mentor and adviser to Mayo.

Mayo's interest in USC reportedly lies in being the star in a large media market, and at a university that made household names out of football players Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.

Mayo also is considering Kansas State and Florida.

Former North College Hill teammate and close friend Bill Walker, who graduated high school early after it was determined his athletic eligibility was exhausted, enrolled at Kansas State and is expected to play for the Wildcats beginning in December. Kansas State coach Bob Huggins used to coach at Cincinnati, where North College Hill is located.

USC's biggest competition might not be from a college.

``I hear if he goes to college it more than likely will be 'SC,'' Meyer said. ``But I think the odds are he doesn't go.''

Mayo could choose to train for a year while accepting endorsements, or play overseas. If he does come to USC, Mayo is expected to stay only one year.

While USC waits on Mayo, the signing period likely will start slowly for the Trojans.

Venoy Overton, a point guard out of Seattle, is the only player who has given the school an oral commitment for 2007. Daniel Hackett, previously slated for that class, graduated early and enrolled at USC for this season.

The Trojans also are waiting on Stoneridge Prep of Tarzana center Mamadou Diarra, ranked as a five-star player by rivals.com. Diarra isn't expected to make a commitment today.

Leonard Washington, a small forward from Louisiana who is believed to favor the Trojans over Oklahoma State, could make a signing-day decision.

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