USC coach Eric Musselman and Chad Baker-Mazara engage in shared Gold Cup commonality

It is a new challenge for Chad Baker-Mazara at USC. The former Auburn player is facing a new challenge in the Big Ten compared to what he is used to, but that is what he came to Los Angeles for. Early clips and pictures from the summer Trojan practice show part of why he came to the West Coast.

In short, he liked what he heard from coach Eric Musselman and believes that the USC head coach can help him take that next step in his game. What Trojan fans saw a little bit of is how their player-coach relationship shaped his eventual transfer from the Tigers.

Naturally, it is only in its official infancy, but coach Musselman's prior experience as the head coach of the Dominican Republic team is helping to build an already solid foundation between the two.

In a post shared by coach Musselman on X, he mentioned how he took a moment from the day's activity to ask Baker-Mazara about the upcoming Saturday Gold Cup match that will take place between the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The group stage encounter will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Something like this shows a clear point of relatability and is proving to complete a form of a full circle moment for coach Musselman. 

Current approach from USC head coach

In the current social media age, fans see a lot more behind the scenes and from players and personnel directly. Contrary to what many would like to wish or think, at no point in the history of sports was the focus ever 100% on basketball all the time.

Yes, some were considerably more intense and focused than others, particularly in front of the cameras, but for the most part the increased access is leading to an unfair standard for current student-athletes.

Finding moments and areas to not necessarily be discussing X's and O's is becoming more and more commonly seen and shared with the wider public. Rest assured, when it's time to work, coach Musselman will be certain that the team is dialed in. Between drills, however, he may ask the new USC player about his thoughts from the opening Gold Cup fixture.