USC Trojans Basketball Season Recap: Key Players Departing for 2026-27 Season
The USC Trojans' basketball season ended with an 83-79 loss to the Washington Huskies in the Big Ten Tournament, marking their third consecutive miss of the NCAA Tournament. Despite a strong start with a 12-1 record and a Maui Invitational win, injuries and dismissals led to an eight-game losing streak, finishing with an 18-14 overall record and 7-13 in Big Ten play. As the Trojans head into the offseason, three key players will not be returning for the 2026-27 season.
Guard Chad Baker-Mazara, a transfer from Auburn, was a significant contributor for the Trojans, averaging 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game before a leg injury ended his collegiate career. Forward Ezra Ausar, who transferred from Utah, had an impressive season with averages of 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court. Guard Kam Woods, a midseason transfer from Robert Morris, joined the Trojans to bolster their backcourt depth due to early-season injuries but is expected to depart from USC in the offseason.