Mayes Working Hard at AU
February 1, 2004

It takes hard work to succeed on your college boards. That’s true for preparing for the entrance exams for getting into college or for surviving under the boards in the world of college basketball. Greg Mayes (Austintown, OH/Fitch) is doing fine in both instances.

As a freshman forward on the Ashland University men’s basketball team Mayes is putting in the time at practice and in the weight room to perform his best during the game. With six games remaining in the season, Mayes is third on the team in rebounds (107/5.1 rpg.) and is a board leader in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Currently he is ranked 16th in the GLIAC in rebounds per game and fourth in offensive rebounds (53/2.7 rpg.).

“Whenever I get in the game I just try and get as many rebounds as I can. Once the ball hits the rim, I just go right after it,” Mayes said, “It’s the only thing on my mind.”

At 6-7, 205 pounds Mayes has no problem getting to the rim. However, he does feel he is at a disadvantage when it comes to overall size. Compared to other athletes in the conference Mayes, at times, can seem small.

“I need to get bigger. Everyone in the league is bigger and I keep getting pushed around. I am constantly in the weight room trying to get stronger,” Mayes said.

As the season nears its completion the improvement that Mayes has made in his game is becoming more and more evident. He’s become a key player off the bench for the Eagles (9-12).

“Greg’s improved by leaps and bounds. At first he was very low on skill and great on talent,” said head coach Roger Lyons, “Now he has started to develop his skills.”

Northern Michigan had a chance to see how the rookie is developing on Jan. 22. Mayes had 10 rebounds, eight off the offensive glass, in a 74-59 setback.

As a freshman coming into the AU program from Austintown Fitch, Mayes has done very well learning new schemes and getting used to the coaching. During his senior year at Fitch, Mayes was named the All-Northeastern Ohio player of the year while averaging 20.0 ppg., and 15.0 rpg. He was a first team All-Ohio selection.

“Greg’s made steady improvement which is all we ask. As the individual gets better, so does the team,” said Lyons.

Part of Mayes’ work ethic can be credited to his older brother, Sam, who plays football for Oklahoma State University. Sam Mayes is a 6-4, 350-pound offensive lineman.

“My brother is such a role model to me. He always pushed me to work hard and become a better player,” Mayes said.

Mayes realizes that he is a long way from where he hopes to be in years to come and is working hard to make sure he can reach his full potential.

“I need to work on my post moves. I don’t feel that I am an offensive threat. I just have to work hard and get better,” said Mayes, who is averaging 3.0 ppg.

Lyons agrees.

“Greg has stayed consistent and practiced hard. He has gotten a lot stronger from being in the weight room.” Lyons said. “No question that his future success will be determined by the work he puts in this summer. This will be the most important summer of his career.”