This is what I mean about O.J. Mayo.

I just don't believe him.

The USC freshman guard told the local scribes out in L.A. that his plan is to return for his sophomore season unless he is guaranteed to become a lottery pick next year.

``Right now, I plan on staying more than one year unless my situation changes and I have an opportunity to make a living for my family," Mayo told the Los Angeles Times. "Right now, I'm focusing on my education, and I'm hoping next year if I do return - which I plan on - I'd like to go into business management and real estate investments."

This is why I'll take Mayo's former teammate, Kansas State freshman Bill Walker, over him any day of the week. Walker is real and says it like it is.

There's no chance Mayo sticks around beyond this season - whether he's got a guarantee to go in the lottery or not.

USC coach Tim Floyd has one year with Mayo and despite the Trojans coach gushing about his prized frosh, we're still not sold on the chemistry at USC.

Head Start for Pelphrey

Arkansas coach John Pelphrey has seven days under his belt with his new teamand thus far, he likes what he sees.

``If we play hard and serve each other (that's Pelphrey's way of saying they need to be unselfish), we have a chance to be competitive in every game," he said.

Pelphrey won't have senior wing Sonny Weems for this weekend's trip to Cancun after Weems broke a bone in his left (non-shooting) hand on Tuesday. Weems is expected to be out for at least a month, so don't be surprised if you see a big lineup this weekend and at times, during the regular season.

Pelphrey has also been without starting point guard Gary Ervin (death in the family) for a few of the seven days of practice that the team has had leading up to the trip.

Pelphrey realizes that Ervin, the team's lone proven point guard, is the key. Ervin, a New York native, has been erratic and enigmatic in his career, which includes two years at Mississippi State. The backup is sophomore combo guard Stefan Welsh, who pulled a hamstring after just 30 minutes in the first practice.

Patrick Beverley's work ethic and motor has impressed the Razorbacks head man more than just about anything. ``I love him and wouldn't trade him for anything. I love how hard he plays," Pelphrey said. However, the frontline consisting of Steven Hill, Darian Townes, Charles Thomas, Michael Washington and freshman Michael Sanchez also has Pelphrey excited.

The 6-foot-8 Sanchez, who has struggled with injuries for the past year or so, is in terrific shape and has gotten nearly all of his explosiveness back. ``He's been tremendous," Pelphrey said. "I can't tell you how fast he is. He wins every sprint. He can be an all-league player down the road."

Arkansas will l;eave Saturday morning and play two games - one on Saturday and one on Sunday - in Cancun before heading home for classes on Monday.

``My biggest thing with the trip is that anytime you have a coaching change, there's going to be some anxiety with the players," Pelphrey said. "They don't know how to view me and how they fit in and on top of that, we've got six seniors who have been here for three years and have nine months left."

This trip - and more specifically the 10 practices that allowed Pelphrey to get to know his players - could be vital to the team's success this season.

``I think when we start practicing in October, we'll be OK," he said. "They'll know what to expect."

RANDOM NOTES:

Louisville sophomore point guard Edgar Sosa suffered a sprained left ankle in a pickup game and will be off the court for the next month or so. ... Quinton Watkins didn't qualify academically at Illinois and now the Illini will be short on shooting guards - after Jamar Smith will sit out the season. ... Auburn signee Tyrell Lynch did not qualify and could wind up at Southern Miss. ... Don't be surprised if Damian Saunders, who didn't get into Marquette, lands at Duquesne and plays for his ex-coach, Bill Barton, a recent hire of Ron Everhart's.