Grizzlies' Mayo scores 15 points, has 5 assists in summer debut

Updated: July 12, 2008, 1:55 AM ET

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Associated Press

LAS VEGAS -- O.J. Mayo's professional debut featured 15 points, five assists and three steals Friday in the Memphis Grizzlies' 88-75 win over the New Orleans Hornets at the NBA Summer League.

Mayo, a former USC guard who was chosen No. 3 in the draft, scored only two points in the first quarter and finished with eight turnovers overall. He made his presence felt quickly, as his steal and assist on Darrell Arthur's layup with 8:37 left in the period preceded his first basket. He scored on a layup with 7:06 left in the quarter.

Mayo bounced back in the second with 10 points and two turnovers. His six consecutive points early in the frame helped the Grizzlies to stretch a two-point lead into a 23-15 advantage. The loudest applause of the first half came when he was fouled during a dunk with 23 seconds remaining.

"I really love the game and I love to compete," Mayo said. "For me, it's a dream come true to play in the NBA. It's my opportunity. I wanted to leave everything on the floor every time."

Mayo, the highest-drafted player this year participating in the NBA Summer League, had 12 points, two steals and two assists at halftime. He also led with five turnovers and three fouls during the first 20 minutes.

In the second half, Mayo cut his turnovers from five to three and made his lone 3-pointer.

"He just slowed down a little bit," Grizzlies summer league coach Marc Iavaroni said. "He was trying to do too much [in the first half]. It's good to see growth from half to half."

Mayo averaged 20.7 points, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals as a freshman last season at USC.

"I was very impressed that he's confident," Iavaroni said. "The technical aspects, the strategy, those will all come. But seeing how he approaches the game is very refreshing."

Mayo was one of four first-round selections from the last two drafts playing for the Grizzlies. Arthur was taken 27th this year; Mike Conley was chosen with the fourth pick last year when Javaris Crittenton went No. 19.

Arthur stood out in his pro debut, scoring 18 points on 9-for-12 shooting.