Following Chad Baker-Mazara’s turbulent departure from Auburn, Ole Miss was purportedly a “program of interest” in his transfer portal recruiting. Zack Nagy called Chris Beard’s Rebels a “program of interest” on SI before CBM made the shocking decision to select USC.
“(Ole Miss) has remained linked to multiple high-profile names in the Transfer Portal market this month, including Auburn forward Chad Baker-Mazara,” Nagy stated.
Even if the Rebels are still a program worth watching, Baker-Mazara took action on Monday.
Following a dismal first hiring cycle last year, Baker-Mazara is viewed as a narrative-shifter for Eric Musselman in Los Angeles.
“Chad Baker-Mazara is a very hard worker. He is the type of player that USC lacked last season because of his unwavering energy (high motor, as basketball experts would say), persistent rebounding, excellent defense, and ability to score when required. The Trojans scored, but they lacked rebounding and defense. Baker-Mazara is a terrific addition that will significantly improve this roster. Not a moment too soon, Eric Musselman fulfilled his promise at USC,” writes Adam Bradford of Trojans Wire on the USA Today Network.
Baker-Mazara is an offensive mismatch for Big Ten defense, according to Rob Dauster of The Field of 68.
“When he is at his best, he will repeatedly return to one set, one play, one matchup, or one thing that will work in a game,” Dauster stated. “You could put Chad Baker-Mazara in a position where he can win a lot of matches because he is good enough.”
With great anticipation, CBM is starting his first year after the Plains and his last year of eligibility. And that ought to be the situation.
The issue was never his playing level. His ability to remain on the court as a result of selfish plays was what hurt Bruce Pearl’s overall reputation.
