LOS ANGELES — In a stunning turn of events for the USC Trojans men’s basketball program, star guard Chad Baker-Mazara is no longer a member of the team. The university made the official announcement on Sunday afternoon, March 01 2026, just hours after the Trojans suffered a devastating blowout loss to No. 12 Nebraska.
A Sudden Departure Following Injury
The announcement comes on the heels of a physical and emotional weekend for the program. During Saturday’s 82-67 loss to the Cornhuskers, Baker-Mazara appeared to re-aggravate a right knee injury while attempting to block a shot early in the second half. Despite scoring 14 points in the first half, he played only three minutes after the break before exiting the game permanently.
Following the game, head coach Eric Musselman noted that Baker-Mazara “said he couldn’t go,” but the subsequent news of his total departure from the program has shocked the college basketball world. The university has not yet provided specific details regarding the nature of the separation, though the timing coincides with a five-game losing streak that has effectively ended USC’s hopes for a March Madness bid.
Impact on the Trojans’ Season
Baker-Mazara, a 6-foot-7 senior from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, had been the offensive engine for the Trojans throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Before his departure, he was leading the team in several key categories:
- Scoring: 18.3 points per game
- Playmaking: 3.0 assists per game
- Efficiency: Recognized as one of the premier isolation scorers in the Big Ten
His absence leaves a massive void in a roster already reeling from a “nightmare collapse” over the last two weeks. The Trojans (18-10, 7-10 Big Ten) have struggled to find consistency since their move to the Big Ten, and losing their primary scoring threat further complicates their path to the NIT or any postseason play.
A Journeyman’s Career Ends at USC
Chad Baker-Mazara’s collegiate journey has been one of the most unique in recent years. Before arriving at USC, he made significant impacts at several high-major programs:
- Auburn: Played in all 38 games during their Final Four run, averaging 10.0 points.
- San Diego State: Contributed as a key reserve, averaging 6.4 points per game.
- Duquesne: Began his career as a standout freshman.
As a 26-year-old senior, Baker-Mazara was expected to provide veteran leadership for a USC team looking to make a splash in their new conference. Instead, his tenure ends abruptly amidst injury concerns and a team-wide slump.
What’s Next for USC?
With Baker-Mazara no longer on the roster, the Trojans will look to freshman standout Alijah Arenas and guard Kam Woods to shoulder the scoring load. The team faces an uphill battle to regain momentum before the Big Ten Tournament begins. Fans and analysts alike are waiting for further clarification from the athletic department regarding the “stunning announcement” that has effectively signaled the end of an era for this season’s squad.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to USA Daily for further updates on Chad Baker-Mazara and the USC Trojans.