USC Trojans Basketball Transfer Bound for Breakout Season in Big Ten

The USC Trojans men's basketball team will tip-off the regular season on Nov. 3 after a few exhibition matches. Heading into coach Eric Musselman's second season with USC, one Trojans transfer stands out as a potential breakout star.

USC Trojans head coach Eric Musselman watches his team from the bench during the second half of their exhibition game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. | Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Just around the corner, USC Trojans men's basketball is set to open the season in coach Eric Musselman's second year at the helm.

One of Musselman's most exciting newcomers, Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara, arrives in Southern California with high expectations. Baker-Mazara is seen as one of the Big Ten's biggest impact players per college basketball analyst Andy Katz.

Chad Baker-Mazara Named Top 10 Big Ten Newcomers

Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) celebrates after winning the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After losing a solid group of standouts from Musselman's roster last season, Baker-Mazara will be one to fill those shoes, especially after his Final Four run with the Tigers.

During what would be his final season with the Tigers, Baker-Mazara recorded 468 points, 102 assists, 46 steals, 23 blocks and a Final Four appearance. Baker-Mazara was also surrounded by elite company in Philadelphia 76ers forward Johni Broome, who was named the SEC Player of the Year and Consensus All-American honors.

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Prior to Baker-Mazara's two seasons with Auburn, he spent one season with the San Diego State Aztecs in 2021-22 and started his collegiate career with the Duquesne Dukes in 2020-21.

Mazara stands at No. 6 among other standout Big Ten newcomers, sandwiched between two Illinois transfers in Andrej Stojakovic at No. 5 and Zvonimir Ivisic at No. 7.

Get used to hearing these names 🗣️ @TheAndyKatz shares his Top 10 B1G Men's 🏀 newcomers for the upcoming season. Who else should make the list? 👀 pic.twitter.com/WudvHtg0h8

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) October 24, 2025

Baker-Mazara joins USC's No. 7 ranked transfer class per 247Sports, including Virginia transfer Jacob Cofie, Maryland transfer Rodney Rice and Utah transfer Ezra Ausar.

Musselman shared the versatility and talent Baker-Mazara brings to the table, and one that will greatly benefit Musselman's roster this season.

“We tried to focus a little more on power-five guys… It’s easier to evaluate what a guy can do going from power five to power five, versus transferring up from mid-major.” Musselman said. “Chad Baker-Mazara wins wherever he goes. He’s a Swiss army knife — defends, shoots, plays with heart. You want him on the floor in crunch time.”

What To Expect From USC Trojans Basketball

Feb 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC finished last season 16-17 overall and 7-13 in their first Big Ten season, and first under Musselman. The Trojans pulled off ranked wins over then-No. 7 Michigan State and then-No. 13 Illinois.

The Trojans preseason competition is officially underway, as USC is coming off an exhibition win over the LMU Lions 60-51 on Oct. 18.

In the Trojans win over the lions, USC saw a lot of roster turnover translate onto the court. Musselman's starting lineup looked much different, featuring four new starters.

Guard Jordan Marsh, Ausar, guard Amarion Dickerson and Cofie were among the newcomers. Veteran Terrance Williams II was the sole returning starter in the lineup.

Baker-Mazara came off the bench and led the way for the Trojans, finishing the night with a team-high of 14 points.

Nov 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Terrance Williams II (5) enters the court before a game against the Texas-Arlington Mavericks at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Musselman was impressed with the Trojans, but noted their attack has plenty of room for growth before the season starts.

"Defensively, we were really, really good, especially in the first half. Offensively, we have a lot of areas for growth," Musselman said after the win.

The Trojans will close out the preseason exhibition games vs. the Grand Canyon Antelopes on Saturday Oct. 25. USC will open the regular season on Nov. 3, hosting Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Galen Center.