USC leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara no longer with program

USC Ahead Chad Baker-MazaraThe team’s leading scorer is no longer a member of the men’s basketball program, the school announced Sunday.

Baker-Mazara is gone Saturday’s home loss to No. 12 Nebraska Heavy fall after blocking a shot at the start of the second half price sandfort. Baker-Mazzara told coach Eric Musselman he couldn’t go back in, then sat down beside the injured USC star rodney rice In the fan area instead of on the bench with the rest of the team.

USC’s brief statement issued through team spokeswoman Kristen Keller did not provide a reason or details for Baker-Mazzara’s program departure, who told The Associated Press in a text message: “We have nothing additional to add at this time.”

After Saturday’s game, Musselman was asked about Baker-Mazzara’s possible injury and future status.

“He said he can’t go,” Musselman said, adding that he hasn’t talked to any athletic trainers about the player’s health.

When asked if it was customary for Baker-Mazzara to sit next to fans, Musselman said it was due to the lack of chairs on the bench.

Baker-Mazzara, a 26-year-old graduate student, transferred to USC last spring as the fifth stop in her college career. He committed to Duquesne Out of Spire Academy (Ohio), transferred san diego state He played for one season after his freshman year, then spent a year at a junior college at Northwest Florida State.

Baker-Mazza finally finds some stability golden brown color During his two campaigns with the Tigers. He started 43 games, averaging 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds and shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range. He was a key starter on Auburn’s 2024–25 team that won the SEC regular season title and advanced to the Final Four.

He was on the move again after the Final Four run, transferring to USC to play for Musselman. Baker-Mazzara became the Trojans’ top offensive option after Rice was lost to a season-ending shoulder injury in late November and averaged a career-high 18.5 points in 26 games, while also reaching career highs in rebounding (4.2) and assists (2.8).

Baker-Mazzara missed three games in February with a knee injury, but returned to score 21 points oregon and 25 points vs UCLA Before Saturday’s brief performance.

USC (18-11, 7-11 Big Ten) was in position for its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2023, but the Trojans have lost five consecutive games, and their status is uncertain. They end the regular season with games Washington And this week at home against UCLA.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.