Tiger turned Trojan Chad Baker-Mazara brings valuable backcourt experience to USC

Fresh off a Final Four run with Auburn, Chad Baker-Mazara offers a lot from the backcourt. Listed as a guard, the 6'7" senior has a lot of games under his belt and size for his position. Coach Eric Musselman may have had a slow start during the early goings of portal season, but the USC roster has since rounded out nicely.

Reported by LA Times reporter Ryan Kartje on X, the former Tiger will be a Trojan for his final year of NCAA eligibility. Baker-Mazara offers a lot of versatility and a good skill set that the USC backcourt will be able to utilize during the 2025-2026 season.

First of all, he adds length. His wingspan and athleticism saw him average over a steal per game during his last year with Auburn. Offensively, he can handle the ball and shoot the outside jumper. Baker-Mazara also does a nice job of relocating without the basketball and then using his power and agility to make a play close to the rim.

The Big Ten Conference presents a long, grueling challenge for basketball players. As a starter for the top SEC team, he showed the ability to handle a lot of tough minutes in a densely compacted schedule. Making the adjustment to the BIG shouldn't be too much of an issue for him.

Against Duke, although Auburn lost, he finished the game with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the floor. While playing the eventual national champions during March Madness, Baker-Mazara scored 18 points on an efficient 6-of-10 on field goals.

Team-first approach to his game

He played with a Wooden Player of the Year finalist in Johni Broome and showed two things. The now-Trojan is comfortable being the second or third option and can still impact the game without the ball in his hands. When his team needs it, he can also initiate his own offense and be a go-to option.

This adaptability and ability to switch roles within a game further highlight what a great addition this will be to USC for the upcoming season. At 119 college games played, Baker-Mazara brings a lot of experience to campus. In terms of his strengths and approach, the guard will not have any issue gelling with his new teammates and getting ready for a better run during BIG play.