Chad Baker-Mazara no longer playing for USC: Trojans' NCAA Tournament hopes continue to fade with loss of star
CBS Sports
by
Matt Norlander
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
USC's Men's Basketball team suffered a significant blow as star player Chad Baker-Mazara announced his departure from the program, further complicating their already slim chances of making the NCAA Tournament. The 26-year-old grad student, who averaged an impressive 18.5 points per game along with 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists, left the team following a fall during a loss to No. 14 Nebraska on Sunday. His absence comes at a critical time for the Trojans, who are currently on a five-game losing streak and struggling to stay in contention.
Baker-Mazara's exit adds another layer of difficulty for USC, which had already lost its top scorer, Rodney Rice, earlier in the season due to an injury. The team's performance has drastically declined since their strong start, with a 6-10 record over the past 17 games. This downturn has pushed them to the edge of the "next four out" in recent NCAA Tournament projections. With key players sidelined and their overall form faltering, USC's hopes of securing a tournament bid are rapidly diminishing.
The timing of Baker-Mazara's departure is particularly concerning, as the Trojans prepare for crucial games against Washington and UCLA in the final stretch of their regular season. His absence leaves a significant void, not only on the court but also in terms of leadership and experience. The team will need to rally if they are to have any chance of reversing their fortunes and salvaging their NCAA Tournament chances.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by college basketball teams when key players face injuries or decide to leave mid-season. Baker-Mazara's decision, though uncommon, underscores the high stakes and pressure faced by athletes and programs during critical moments in the season. For sports fans and analysts, this story serves as a reminder of how fragile team dynamics can be and how quickly a season's trajectory can change.
Ultimately, USC's struggles serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining depth and resilience in a highly competitive sport. As the Trojans look to rebuild and recover from this setback, the focus will now shift to their remaining games and whether they can turn things around before the regular season concludes.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026