USC Trojans Midseason Review: Baker-Mazara Shines as Team Eyes NCAA Tournament
The USC Trojans secured a crucial 70-69 overtime victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during their Big Ten Midwest road trip to kick off the 2026 calendar year. Guard Chad Baker-Mazara shone brightly for the Trojans, delivering an outstanding performance with 29 points, eight assists, and two rebounds on 9-of-20 shooting from the field.
Under the guidance of coach Eric Musselman in their second year, the Trojans have started the season strongly, boasting a 13-3 overall record, including a 2-3 record in Big Ten play after their triumph over Minnesota. The team is striving to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.
As the Trojans head back to Los Angeles following a three-game road trip, let's take a look at the standout performers and areas of improvement for USC at the midway point of the season. One player who has made a significant impact on the Trojans' successful start is Auburn transfer guard Chad Baker-Mazara.
Baker-Mazara, who played a key role in Auburn's 2025 Final Four run, has brought his championship experience to USC, making history as the first Trojan player to achieve 30-plus points and three blocks in a game. Leading the team in scoring with an average of 19.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, Baker-Mazara has been instrumental in USC's early-season success.
USC's victory in the Maui Invitational, where they defeated Boise State, Seton Hall, and Arizona State to claim their first title in program history, stands out as a major highlight. Baker-Mazara's stellar performance in the tournament, including a standout showing in the title game, earned him the MVP honors.
Despite recent injuries to guards Rodney Rice and Amarion Dickerson, impacting the team's backcourt depth, USC has seen players like Jordan Marsh, Jerry Easter, and Ryan Cornish step up in their absence. The addition of midseason transfer Kam Woods from Robert Morris aims to address the backcourt injuries, while the potential debut of talented freshman guard Alijah Areans could further bolster the Trojans as they navigate a crucial Big Ten schedule in February.