Written by Sarah Bergstrom, USC blog contributor
USC athletes are more than just champions on the field, court, diamond, and pool, they're champions in the classroom as well. Each week, we will get to know one of these scholarly Trojans a little better in our student-athlete spotlight.
Name: Chass Bryan
Year: Sophomore
Sport: Men's Basketball
Position: Guard
Major: Business Administration
GPA: 3.47
Sarah Bergstrom (SB): Why did you pick USC? You probably could have played basketball at other schools but you instead chose to walk-on here. What drew you to be a Trojan?
Chass Bryan (CB): It was all because of academics. I knew a degree from USC weighs more than a degree from anywhere else. Sports are really political in college and I wanted to go somewhere where I'd be happy just going to school there if I wasn't playing. I love the environment and being in LA, close to home.
SB: You're studying Business Administration, what do you hope to do with that someday?
CB: I'm not really sure yet. I like sports agency and the idea of working with a big sports organization. I don't know what facet of business yet. Entrepreneurship really interests me. I've already seen the connections that are possible as a Trojan. Meeting alumni and seeing the tradition of a great network here is so nice.
SB: You were really involved in community service in high school, have you been able to continue that here?
CB: Last year, we did a lot with neighboring schools. We kind of held basketball clinics and got to talk with a bunch of kids which combined both of my passions. It's so nice to give back because without that we all wouldn't be here.
SB: Did you learn anything last year that has made you better prepared for this season as a student-athlete?
CB: Time management. Just being tired after practice and not wanting to do a lot of work but realizing it's better to spread it out during the week so Sunday isn't a cram day. Also, when I have tests or papers I have to focus on them during the weekends when I have extra time even though I'd like to use my weekends to relax. Spring semester is always such a grind because you're on the road. You're tired from flights and you just want to sleep in study hall, but I've learned you have to get ahead when you have extra time.
SB: What's your favorite class you've taken so far?
CB: I took a business class called GLP, and every Friday a CEO or business owner would come in and talk to us. It was just a two unit, pass or no pass class, but it was the most fulfilling class I've had so far. It wasn't a lot of work but I gained a lot of knowledge from people who have already achieved success.
SB: What has playing basketball taught you about being a better student and vice versa?
CB: Just being out of the coaches' view when it comes to academics and being solid in that area so they don't have to worry about it. They have a lot to worry about anyway and that helps my team to stay focused on school. Also, one day basketball is going to end. I can't always be counting on that so I've learned how important it is to be well-rounded.
SB: What's the best part about being a USC athlete?
CB: The support we get from everyone, whether it's alumni, other athletes, teachers, or students. When we go out, when we're anywhere, if you have cardinal and gold on you're going to get a 'Fight On' and someone is going to want to come talk to you. Everyone is so friendly and there is such a community. That's a big plus about being on campus.
SB: What are your thoughts on your upcoming season?
CB: I'm really excited. It's going to be fast paced and I feel like we're going to fill up the Galen Center again. We've had a couple down years but there's a lot of chatter around our program. There is a lot of excitement with our team and we have a lot of talent even from freshman who can contribute this year. Across the board I think it's going to be a fun season.
SB: How have you liked working with Coach Enfield?
CB: Coach Enfield is such an energetic and knowledgeable coach and business man, which I feel like is the best of both worlds. He can talk to you on a personal level but he can also talk basketball. He's so excited about the season and he's not a coach who harps on mistakes which is big. He makes you fall in love with the game again. You've just got to play hard, be positive, and be a good teammate, those are his three rules.
SB: What are your goals for yourself in your sophomore season?
CB: I just want to be a good teammate this year, whether I play the same amount of time, more time, or less time. No matter the minutes I'm going to play hard. We have a lot of guards and I feel like if everyone contributes and plays hard, we'll have a great season. Whatever my role may be I'm going to play that to my best.
SB: What is a legacy that you and your teammates are hoping to leave with USC basketball?
CB: This is the first year under a new coach so we want to get things started again. USC basketball has not been the talk of the town for five to ten years and we want to bring it back again. We want to create a buzz that USC is not just a football school.
