At his best, Chad Baker-Mazara could carry a team.
The sixth-year guard often propped up USC’s offense last season with flourishes of point-a-minute production, which was especially critical once teammate Rodney Rice went down with a season-ending shoulder injury.
There were two 30-plus-point performances and one sequence against UCLA in which Baker-Mazara made three 3-pointers in what seemed like a matter of seconds.
Former USC player Chad Baker-Mazara was dismissed from the team for unspecified reasons. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect After pushing through injuries and setbacks — to himself and teammates — Baker-Mazara endured an inglorious ending to his single season as a Trojan.
Chasing Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort from behind on a fast break early in the second half of a game in late February at the Galen Center, Baker-Mazara blocked Sandfort’s layup before taking a hard fall onto the court.
Baker-Mazara limped toward the locker room before watching the rest of the game next to Rice from seats along the baseline.
A day later, he was dismissed from the team for unspecified reasons.
After releasing a statement Tuesday saying that he was disappointed by USC’s decision, Baker-Mazara corresponded exclusively with The California Post about his time on campus. In a wide-ranging interview, Baker-Mazara said that coach Eric Musselman did not directly inform him of the decision to jettison him from the team and that he is using the situation as a growth opportunity.
(A USC team spokesperson said the school would have no comment when asked for a response to Baker-Mazara’s account.)
Baker-Mazara said he was in therapy and vying to score an invitation to the NBA combine next month in Chicago to show teams that he has what it takes — both on and off the court — to play at the next level.
Saying he was misunderstood after attending five colleges in six years, Baker-Mazara expressed hope to The Post that he would get another opportunity to showcase his talent:
What have you been doing since you left USC?
I’ve been training every day, staying in the gym and focusing on getting better and preparing for the next opportunity in my basketball career. I’ve also been doing positive things to keep my mind right, like prayer, meditation, reflection and taking my mental health seriously, including therapy. Just making sure I’m growing in every way, not just as a player but as a person.
Where have you been working out, who has been helping you and where are you in your development?
I’ve been working in a structured training environment with trainers and strength staff. I’m usually training twice a day, six days a week, focusing on skill work, conditioning and overall development. My big brother, Evan, has been helping me navigate through this process and managing my endeavors. I feel motivated and focused on continuing to improve and prepare for the next level.
What did Musselman tell you about the team’s decision to part ways with you and what was your reaction?
Coach never spoke with me about the decision that was made. The last time he directly communicated with me was at the Nebraska game along with the rest of the staff. With that said, I respect the program and everyone involved. I’m also grateful for my time at USC and the relationships I built there, especially with my teammates.
Former USC player Chad Baker-Mazara hopes to receive an invite to the NBA scouting combine. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Was the Los Angeles Times report — which stated that there were multiple incidents leading to your departure — accurate and can you comment on that?
There have been a lot of inaccurate and misleading reports circulating. I haven’t seen anything that reflects the full truth, which is part of why I released my statement. I’m not going to engage in speculation or anything that adds to narratives that aren’t accurate. I’ve stayed focused on training and moving forward.
How would you describe how you conducted yourself on the team?
At times I was frustrated with myself and my injuries, but overall I feel like I grew more this year. I’ve always tried to be a competitive, team-first player who works hard every day and respects the game, my coaches and my teammates. I know I’m not bigger than any program I’m part of. Coming from where I come from in the Dominican Republic, opportunities like this don’t come often, so I don’t take any of it for granted.
On the court, I’m competitive and passionate, but off the court I’m humble, grateful and human. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to make it like everyone else, and I know I have to earn everything that comes next, and that’s why I’ve been training the way I have. My motivation is also my family and everything they’ve sacrificed, and I want to do something great with the name they gave me.
What did you think about former NBA star Gilbert Arenas’ video in which he showed support? Who else has reached out to you?
Gilbert Arenas is a respected former player who has always given honest advice and support to players in the game. I appreciate his support, along with anyone who has reached out during this time. It means a lot, especially when there have been a lot of narratives circulating that don’t reflect who I am. Having people who know me encourage me and believe in me has been important.
Do you feel like this is a growth moment for you?
Yes, absolutely. Every experience I’ve had has been part of my growth as a player and as a person. Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken time to reflect, stay focused on training and continue developing mentally and physically. I’ve also been intentional about taking care of my mental health, including therapy. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had, and I’m focused on continuing to grow and improve.
Have you used this situation as motivation? How?
Yes, I’ve definitely used it as motivation. I’ve stayed locked into my training and used this time to push myself every day. It’s helped me lock in even more, stay disciplined and focus on becoming a better version of myself overall. At the end of the day, I just want to keep improving and be ready for whatever comes next.
Are you worried about how this affects your NBA reputation?
At first, I was concerned, especially with things being said that weren’t accurate. But I’ve learned to focus on what I can control, which is my work, my preparation and how I show up every day. I can’t control outside narratives, only how I continue to train, compete and grow.
If I’m fortunate enough to be presented with any NBA opportunities, I’m confident that any doubts or misconceptions about me will be put to rest.
Do you feel people misunderstand you after being at five colleges?
I would say yes. I think people can misunderstand my journey when they see five different schools. But for me, I don’t look at it as instability. I look at it as growth and overcoming adversity. I didn’t come into college with offers, so I had to earn everything from the ground up starting at prep school. From there, I kept proving myself at every level and continued building my game and my mentality through every situation I was put in.
At San Diego State, I made an immediate impact and earned Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman. I later had to take the juco route after facing academic setbacks, where I rebuilt myself completely and became a first-team Junior College All-American, finishing as a national runner-up. I worked my way back to Division I and continued to grow at every stop.
At Auburn, I became part of winning culture teams, winning a Southeastern Conference regular-season championship and an SEC Tournament championship, while also reaching the Final Four and leading my team in scoring in that game. I earned All-SEC recognition, was an All-Maui Invitational selection and helped win the Maui Invitational. I also finished as a Julius Erving Award finalist, recognizing me as one of the top small forwards in the country.
At USC, I elevated even further, leading the team in scoring — peaking in the top five nationally in scoring and even leading the conference at one point — and finishing among the top scorers in the country. I was a Maui Invitational MVP and became the only player ever to be a two-time All-Tournament selection. I also earned spots on watch lists for the Julius Erving Award for a second time and the Lute Olson Award while delivering consistent high-level performances against top competition, including 30-plus-point games in multiple clutch situations.
So when people focus on five schools, I understand that from the outside. But when I look at it, I see a Division I record of 109-43, an overall college record of 138-51 including junior college, multiple conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, a Final Four and consistent production at every level. I see a story of resilience, development and constant progression. I’ve always found a way to produce, adapt and win wherever I’ve been.
Are you hoping for an NBA combine invite? What do you want to show?
I would be grateful for any opportunity to compete at that level. If I get that chance, I just want to show my development, my work ethic, my passion and my willingness to do what it takes to advance. My goal is to continue improving and to prove that I belong in that environment.
Focusing on accomplishing my dream, which is playing in the NBA.
If things go the way you want, where do you see yourself in a year?
If things go the way I want, I would be in the NBA playing with passion, giving my team my all every night and inspiring the youth back home that get to watch me play.
