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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
USC Announces Star Player Chad Baker-Mazara No Longer on Team
The 26-year-old graduate student was a key part of the Trojans' offense this season.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The USC Trojans announced on Sunday that Chad Baker-Mazara, a 26-year-old graduate student who averaged 18.5 points per game this season, is no longer a member of the men's basketball program. The reason for his departure remains unclear, as the team did not provide further details. Baker-Mazara started 22 games for the struggling Trojans, who are 18-11 overall and 7-11 in Big Ten play this season.
Why it matters
Baker-Mazara's departure is a significant blow to the Trojans as they head into the final stretch of the regular season and the Big Ten Tournament. As the team's leading scorer and one of its most experienced players, his absence will force head coach Eric Musselman to quickly find a replacement and adjust the team's offensive strategy.
The details
The school announced Baker-Mazara's departure in a brief statement on Sunday, providing no further details on the reasons behind the decision. In 26 games this season, the 26-year-old graduate student averaged 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and 38.1% from 3-point range. Over his career, Baker-Mazara has averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
- The announcement came on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
- USC has two regular-season games remaining, at Washington on March 4 and at home against UCLA on March 7, before the Big Ten Tournament begins next week.
The players
Chad Baker-Mazara
A 26-year-old graduate student who was a key player for the USC Trojans, starting 22 games and averaging 18.5 points per game this season.
Eric Musselman
The head coach of the USC Trojans, in his second season with the team. Prior to USC, he coached at the University of Arkansas, leading the Razorbacks to three consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances and two Elite Eight berths in the NCAA Tournament.
What’s next
The Trojans will face Washington on March 4 and UCLA on March 7 before the Big Ten Tournament begins next week. Head coach Eric Musselman will need to quickly identify a replacement for Baker-Mazara in the team's starting lineup and offensive scheme.
The takeaway
The loss of Chad Baker-Mazara, the Trojans' leading scorer, is a significant blow to USC's chances of making a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament and potentially earning an NCAA Tournament berth. Head coach Eric Musselman will need to rally the team and find a way to replace Baker-Mazara's production in the final stretch of the regular season.
