Trent Johnson leaving Stanford for LSU

NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana State intends to hire Stanford's Trent Johnson, who led the Cardinal to the round of 16 in this year's NCAA tournament, as its new men's coach.

Several people at LSU familiar with the selection process said a formal announcement was expected by today. The people asked to remain anonymous because the hiring was not official.

Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby said Johnson was given permission to talk to LSU but had not yet resigned.

Johnson has been at Stanford for four seasons, compiling an 80-48 record.

He had been slated to meet today with Bowlsby to discuss a new contract.

Stanford hired Johnson in 2004 to replace Mike Montgomery, who left for the NBA's Golden State Warriors for two seasons and last week was hired by Bay Area rival California.

Mayo to NBA

LOS ANGELES — Freshman guard O.J. Mayo is leaving USC after one season to enter the NBA draft, a decision confirmed by a school spokesman.

Mayo plans to hire an agent, which would prevent him from returning to the Trojans.

UCLA coach Ben Howland said he expects Kevin Love to reveal by next week whether to enter the draft. Howland said the freshman center would be a lottery pick if he does declare for the draft.

Howland dismissed as erroneous a Los Angeles Times report that Love and point guard Darren Collison had told Howland they were leaving for the NBA.

Other players making their intentions known:

Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin will return for his sophomore season.

Texas A&M freshman DeAndre Jordan said he will enter the draft without hiring an agent, giving him the option of returning to the Aggies.

Syracuse freshman forward Donte Greene has declared himself eligible for the draft.

Notes

• Television ratings for the women's NCAA championship game were up 30 percent from last year to 3.0.

• Ray Harper resigned as the men's coach at NAIA Division I champion Oklahoma City to pursue job opportunities at a major-college program.

• Bill Bayno returned to college basketball after an eight-year absence, signing a five-year deal to be Loyola Marymount's men's coach.