University Southern California Trojans

Chad Baker-Mazara Lands on Lute Olson Award's Early Season Watch List
December 18, 2025 | Men's Basketball
This award is presented annually to the top player in Division I college basketball.
BOSTON – USC Men's Basketball's Chad Baker-Mazara landed on the 2025-26 Lute Olson Award's Early Season Watch List, CollegeInsider.com announced today, Dec. 18. This award is presented annually to the top player in Division I college basketball.
Baker-Mazara has had a standout season for the Trojans, averaging 21.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game through 12 games. He is the only Trojan to average over 21 points per game to start the season, as he has guided the Trojans to an 11-1 record. Baker-Mazara has seven 20+ point games this season and two games with 30+ points and 3+ blocks. With those performances, he is one of just six players in the NCAA to have at least seven 20-point games and at least two 30-point games. These performances also rank Baker-Mazara into the top 10 in the NCAA, coming in fourth in total made free throws (79) and fifth in total points (258).
Baker-Mazara is one of 30 players from across Division I college basketball to be named to the list. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which comprises current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members from CollegeInsider.com. The 2026 award will be announced in Indianapolis, the site of the men's Division I Basketball Championship.
To view the full list of honorees or to learn more about the award, visit CollegeInsider.com.
Baker-Mazara has had a standout season for the Trojans, averaging 21.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game through 12 games. He is the only Trojan to average over 21 points per game to start the season, as he has guided the Trojans to an 11-1 record. Baker-Mazara has seven 20+ point games this season and two games with 30+ points and 3+ blocks. With those performances, he is one of just six players in the NCAA to have at least seven 20-point games and at least two 30-point games. These performances also rank Baker-Mazara into the top 10 in the NCAA, coming in fourth in total made free throws (79) and fifth in total points (258).
Baker-Mazara is one of 30 players from across Division I college basketball to be named to the list. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which comprises current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members from CollegeInsider.com. The 2026 award will be announced in Indianapolis, the site of the men's Division I Basketball Championship.
To view the full list of honorees or to learn more about the award, visit CollegeInsider.com.
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