Shockwaves at USC: Chad Baker-Mazara’s Transfer Sends Ripple Effect as Keonte Jones Re-Enters Portal Amid Trojans’ Roster Shuffle
LOS ANGELES — The USC Trojans men’s basketball program is undergoing a dramatic transformation — and not all of it by design.
What began as a celebratory announcement of Chad Baker-Mazara’s high-profile transfer to USC has now triggered a chain reaction that’s leaving fans and insiders buzzing. Less than 72 hours after Baker-Mazara committed to don the cardinal and gold, sophomore guard Keonte Jones has re-entered the NCAA transfer portal, sending shockwaves through an already volatile roster undergoing significant reshaping in the post-Andy Enfield era.
Baker-Mazara’s Arrival: A Game-Changing Addition
Chad Baker-Mazara, a 6-foot-7 wing and Dominican Republic native known for his gritty defense and clutch shot-making, announced over the weekend that he would be transferring to USC from Auburn. Baker-Mazara brings veteran experience, length, and a two-way presence that fills a glaring need on the perimeter for the Trojans.
In 2024, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game for Auburn while shooting 37% from three-point range. His energy, edge, and ability to guard multiple positions were widely praised by SEC coaches, and his commitment to USC was seen as a coup for new head coach Eric Musselman, who is working quickly to put his stamp on the program.
“This is a guy who competes with fire,” Musselman said in a statement. “Chad brings toughness, versatility, and a winning mentality to our locker room. He’s the type of player we want representing Trojan basketball.”
Keonte Jones Re-Enters the Portal: Why It Matters
But not all Trojans are cheering. Within days of Baker-Mazara’s commitment, sophomore guard Keonte Jones — once considered a foundational piece of USC’s backcourt future — re-entered the NCAA transfer portal. Jones previously explored a transfer in early April but had withdrawn his name after meetings with Musselman and a commitment to a bigger role in the 2025 season.
His decision to re-enter the portal has sparked questions about internal competition, playing time guarantees, and overall direction of the roster.
Jones appeared in 27 games last season, averaging 6.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals off the bench. He showed flashes of brilliance, especially during a late-season surge where he posted back-to-back double-digit scoring outings in Pac-12 play. But with the arrival of Baker-Mazara and rumored interest in several other transfer guards, Jones may have seen the writing on the wall.
Sources: “The Fit Was Changing Rapidly”
Multiple sources close to the program revealed that Jones had been in discussions with the coaching staff about his role, but the late addition of another high-usage wing reportedly shifted the guard rotation dynamics.
“The fit was changing rapidly,” said one source familiar with the situation. “Keonte wanted to be somewhere he could be a featured guard, and USC was quickly becoming crowded in that department. It’s a business decision.”
Jones is expected to draw interest from mid- and high-major programs seeking a defensive-minded combo guard with three years of eligibility remaining.
Roster in Flux: Musselman’s Aggressive Overhaul
The roster churn comes as Eric Musselman continues his aggressive retooling effort at USC. Since taking over in March, Musselman has landed four transfer commitments, including Baker-Mazara, while also hosting multiple five-star recruits on campus. But he has also seen three players enter or re-enter the portal, raising eyebrows about how the new staff is balancing roster chemistry with talent accumulation.
While some fans fear the departure of Jones signals internal tension, others argue it’s part of a modern program recalibration under a coach known for high roster turnover. Musselman’s teams at Arkansas routinely featured top transfer talent, and the results — including multiple NCAA Tournament runs — speak for themselves.
What’s Next?
The Trojans are expected to remain active in the portal, particularly in their search for a veteran ball-handler and a rim-protecting big man. While the loss of Jones stings from a development and continuity perspective, USC remains one of the hottest transfer destinations this offseason.
Recruiting analysts suggest the Trojans are still in the mix for several top-50 portal prospects and could solidify a top-10 transfer class if they land one more high-impact player.
Final Word
Baker-Mazara’s arrival is a statement that USC basketball is aiming high — but it also comes with consequences. Keonte Jones’ exit reflects the high-stakes balancing act every modern program must navigate: securing elite talent while managing egos, roles, and expectations.
