After Chad Baker-Mazara Abruptly Leaves USC Basketball, Teammates Wonder Why ‘Best Player’ Is Gone

Chad Baker-Mazara has been removed from USC’s college basketball program.

USC did not give any reason for his removal from the program. Mazara was averaging 18 points per game for USC this season. 

During a game against Nebraska, Mazara suffered an injury. After returning from the locker room, Mazara sat on the sidelines instead of with his teammates on the bench. According to the Los Angeles Times, this is just a small part of a pattern of odd behavior from Mazara. 

USC will now be led by Rodney Rice, Ezar Ausar and Alijah Arenas. Arenas is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. Arenas was not happy about Mazara leaving the team. 

“This is what we’re doing? Our best player? Mr. ‘I Get Buckets?’ Every night. He brings it every night. Guaranteed 18, 20 every night,” Arenas said, “I don’t know who he cussed out. But get over it! He’s right.”

It’s unclear if Arenas actually knows specifics of the situation or if he’s just guessing. 

Mazara attended high school in Colonia, New Jersey. Colonia is part of Woodbridge Township, which has produced a couple other notable sports figures like Eric LeGrand, football player for Rutgers University and John Carlson, Stanley Cup champion for the Washington Capitals. 

In his senior year at Colonia High School, he averaged 18.9 points per game and was named player of the year by Home News Tribune, a central New Jersey publication. 

Before USC, Mazara also played for Duquesne, San Diego State and Auburn. He won sixth man of the year at San Diego State and made the All-SEC team with Auburn. 

Mazara was in his second senior season, which was awarded to him because of playing a season in junior college. Mazara is out of eligibility after playing five seasons among four universities.