Late Start, Rapid Rise: The Journey of USC’s Ezra Ausar
July 21, 2025 | Men's Basketball
For USC senior forward Ezra Ausar, "family comes first" isn't just a catchphrase — it's a guiding principle. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ezra is expected to be a force on the court this season for the Trojans, but unlike many student-athletes who juggle academics and athletics, Ezra balances one more life-defining role: being a father.
Shortly after finishing his prep year, Ezra's world changed forever with the birth of his son, Cartier Akemi. Years later, his family would expand as his daughter A'Millian Auset was born during his sophomore year of college.
On the hardwood, Ezra plays with intensity and edge — "an explosive athlete that has the ability to create mismatches," as USC head coach Eric Musselman puts it. But off the court, it's his charisma, confidence, and devotion to his family that truly sets him apart.
Before basketball entered the picture, Ezra's life revolved around family, faith, and creativity. "I grew up in the AME Church, always part of the dance and choir ministry," he recalls. Raised as the youngest of four, he credits his older siblings — Nashiem, Taji, and Ezekiel — with shaping his early interests in music, fashion, and the value of strong family ties.
"I really just enjoy spending time with my family. They're everything to me."
Family went far beyond the home for the Ausar's, with Ezra's parents Aha and Kimya running a family business, Itz Appropriate Candles, for more than two decades now. Ezra says his parents advocacy work through business was an "inspiration" and taught him about being an entrepreneur.
Although he described his younger self as "a bit shy," today's Ezra is far from that quiet kid. Nicknamed "Fresh" by his inner circle, he radiates confidence and pride in his identity both on and off the court. That self-assurance, he says, is a reflection of his mother, Kimya.
"My mom was really the main thing when it came to displaying character," Ezra shared. "She never hid it, and you were going to know who my mom was when she was in the room. Over time, I became the same way in everything I did."
That confidence grew exponentially for Ezra when he was introduced to basketball as a sophomore in high school, a game he'd soon fall in love with. Before then, football was his first love. But like many families concerned about injuries, his parents encouraged him to pursue a safer path — a decision Ezra says he is grateful for every single day.
After two years at Shiloh High School in Georgia, he transferred to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year. Following graduation, he took a prep year at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in North Carolina, where he averaged a double-double and helped lead his team to a 30-3 record. That season, he'd be named a 2021–22 McDonald's All-American nominee — an early sign of his emerging talent.
That same year, Ezra stepped into fatherhood with the birth of his son. "Becoming a parent just made me wiser with my decisions," he said — a sentiment many parents, regardless of age, can relate to.
Ezra began his college basketball career at East Carolina University, where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he became the first Pirate since 2019 to be unanimously selected to the All-AAC Freshman Team. He followed that with a strong sophomore season, scoring in double figures in 18 of 32 games, all while balancing academics and fatherhood. During that same year, his daughter A'Millian was born — another turning point that deepened his motivation.
"I learned a lot at ECU," he said. "It was more of a mental challenge — learning the game, pushing myself, and managing everything going on in my life."
Seeking a fresh start and peace of mind, Ezra transferred to the University of Utah. There, he emerged as a key contributor, finishing the 2024–25 season as the Utes' second-leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
"I had a lot of self-motivation to just go and dominate," he reflected. "I didn't really fear anybody. I just wanted to be the best version of myself at all times."
After a breakout season at Utah, Ezra entered the transfer portal — not to chase the spotlight, but to challenge himself in a way that would silence doubters. He found that opportunity at USC, under the leadership of Coach Musselman.
Ezra saw USC as an opportunity to prove people wrong and add his name to the running list of stars that have donned cardinal and gold. "I definitely am going to be added to that history of great athletes," expressed Ezra.
He also praised the coaching staff's commitment to player development and sees USC as the perfect place to elevate his game and his legacy.
"It wasn't about the city," he said of Los Angeles. "It was about the alumni and history of great athletes. I definitely am going to be added to that history."
When asked about his goals for the season, he keeps it simple and focused: "A winning season. A lot of support. And remaining a superstar." Individually, he said, "I just want to aim for the most high, because the sky's the limit at all times."
Trojan fans can expect to see "bully ball," from Ezra this season, with his game modeled after, "a mix of maybe Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Kuminga." Now, with one final year of NCAA eligibility remaining, Ezra's goals are sky high as he aims to improve as an athlete and an individual.
"The goal is of course to win, but I just want to be the best player, best version of myself and best leader to my team." He mentioned a desire for fans to know him for his character, above all else.
When senior forward Ezra Ausar steps onto the court this season, he'll do so wearing jersey No. 2 — a choice that's more playful than profound. The Atlanta native and father of two chuckles as he explains his reasoning: "Thing One and Thing Two, like Dr. Seuss."
But while the explanation is lighthearted, the motivation behind the number — and behind Ezra himself — runs much deeper.
"I've always worn a low number," he explained. "It didn't have to be two, but it felt right." And regardless of what's stitched on his jersey, what matters most to Ausar is the legacy he's building — for his family, and for himself.
Now in his final collegiate season and suiting up for USC, Ausar is focused on making the Galen Center the PLACE TO BE. With his explosive play style and infectious confidence, he's primed to be a cornerstone for the Trojans.
Known as "Fresh" to friends and teammates, Ausar doesn't just show up — he shows out. Especially on game days.
"You can expect anything," he said, flashing a grin. "Literally anything. It could be a quilt one day." His love of fashion, cultivated during his childhood in Atlanta, isn't about trends — it's about expression. "It's hard not to put on a good piece of clothing," he adds. "Everything I have is a good piece of clothing."
That self-assurance was hard-earned. Between balancing academics, athletics, and fatherhood, Ezra's life has been shaped by resilience and purpose. Off days for him are rarely restful in the traditional sense — they're filled with parenting, family outings, or time spent simply enjoying the presence of loved ones.
"It's either being a full-time dad or just having legit fun with family and friends," he says. Whether it's shopping, bowling, or just "choppin' it up with the fam," Ezra's compass always points home.
Looking to the future, Ausar is driven by a vision far beyond basketball. "I want to continue to build the family legacy," both for his kids and for himself.
And 15 years from now?
"Hopefully I'm somewhere being driven around by my kids," he chuckled. "Somewhere on top of the world. I'm not sure exactly where — but I try to live in the moment. That's what matters."
In a world that often measures athletes by stats alone, Ezra Ausar is building something more lasting: a life grounded in family, fueled by passion, and guided by purpose. And for USC fans, that's exactly the kind of energy they can expect to see on the court this season — and far beyond.
Shortly after finishing his prep year, Ezra's world changed forever with the birth of his son, Cartier Akemi. Years later, his family would expand as his daughter A'Millian Auset was born during his sophomore year of college.
On the hardwood, Ezra plays with intensity and edge — "an explosive athlete that has the ability to create mismatches," as USC head coach Eric Musselman puts it. But off the court, it's his charisma, confidence, and devotion to his family that truly sets him apart.
Before basketball entered the picture, Ezra's life revolved around family, faith, and creativity. "I grew up in the AME Church, always part of the dance and choir ministry," he recalls. Raised as the youngest of four, he credits his older siblings — Nashiem, Taji, and Ezekiel — with shaping his early interests in music, fashion, and the value of strong family ties.
"I really just enjoy spending time with my family. They're everything to me."
Family went far beyond the home for the Ausar's, with Ezra's parents Aha and Kimya running a family business, Itz Appropriate Candles, for more than two decades now. Ezra says his parents advocacy work through business was an "inspiration" and taught him about being an entrepreneur.
Although he described his younger self as "a bit shy," today's Ezra is far from that quiet kid. Nicknamed "Fresh" by his inner circle, he radiates confidence and pride in his identity both on and off the court. That self-assurance, he says, is a reflection of his mother, Kimya.
"My mom was really the main thing when it came to displaying character," Ezra shared. "She never hid it, and you were going to know who my mom was when she was in the room. Over time, I became the same way in everything I did."
That confidence grew exponentially for Ezra when he was introduced to basketball as a sophomore in high school, a game he'd soon fall in love with. Before then, football was his first love. But like many families concerned about injuries, his parents encouraged him to pursue a safer path — a decision Ezra says he is grateful for every single day.
After two years at Shiloh High School in Georgia, he transferred to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year. Following graduation, he took a prep year at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in North Carolina, where he averaged a double-double and helped lead his team to a 30-3 record. That season, he'd be named a 2021–22 McDonald's All-American nominee — an early sign of his emerging talent.
That same year, Ezra stepped into fatherhood with the birth of his son. "Becoming a parent just made me wiser with my decisions," he said — a sentiment many parents, regardless of age, can relate to.
Ezra began his college basketball career at East Carolina University, where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he became the first Pirate since 2019 to be unanimously selected to the All-AAC Freshman Team. He followed that with a strong sophomore season, scoring in double figures in 18 of 32 games, all while balancing academics and fatherhood. During that same year, his daughter A'Millian was born — another turning point that deepened his motivation.
"I learned a lot at ECU," he said. "It was more of a mental challenge — learning the game, pushing myself, and managing everything going on in my life."
Seeking a fresh start and peace of mind, Ezra transferred to the University of Utah. There, he emerged as a key contributor, finishing the 2024–25 season as the Utes' second-leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
"I had a lot of self-motivation to just go and dominate," he reflected. "I didn't really fear anybody. I just wanted to be the best version of myself at all times."
After a breakout season at Utah, Ezra entered the transfer portal — not to chase the spotlight, but to challenge himself in a way that would silence doubters. He found that opportunity at USC, under the leadership of Coach Musselman.
Ezra saw USC as an opportunity to prove people wrong and add his name to the running list of stars that have donned cardinal and gold. "I definitely am going to be added to that history of great athletes," expressed Ezra.
He also praised the coaching staff's commitment to player development and sees USC as the perfect place to elevate his game and his legacy.
"It wasn't about the city," he said of Los Angeles. "It was about the alumni and history of great athletes. I definitely am going to be added to that history."
When asked about his goals for the season, he keeps it simple and focused: "A winning season. A lot of support. And remaining a superstar." Individually, he said, "I just want to aim for the most high, because the sky's the limit at all times."
Trojan fans can expect to see "bully ball," from Ezra this season, with his game modeled after, "a mix of maybe Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Kuminga." Now, with one final year of NCAA eligibility remaining, Ezra's goals are sky high as he aims to improve as an athlete and an individual.
"The goal is of course to win, but I just want to be the best player, best version of myself and best leader to my team." He mentioned a desire for fans to know him for his character, above all else.
When senior forward Ezra Ausar steps onto the court this season, he'll do so wearing jersey No. 2 — a choice that's more playful than profound. The Atlanta native and father of two chuckles as he explains his reasoning: "Thing One and Thing Two, like Dr. Seuss."
But while the explanation is lighthearted, the motivation behind the number — and behind Ezra himself — runs much deeper.
"I've always worn a low number," he explained. "It didn't have to be two, but it felt right." And regardless of what's stitched on his jersey, what matters most to Ausar is the legacy he's building — for his family, and for himself.
Now in his final collegiate season and suiting up for USC, Ausar is focused on making the Galen Center the PLACE TO BE. With his explosive play style and infectious confidence, he's primed to be a cornerstone for the Trojans.
Known as "Fresh" to friends and teammates, Ausar doesn't just show up — he shows out. Especially on game days.
"You can expect anything," he said, flashing a grin. "Literally anything. It could be a quilt one day." His love of fashion, cultivated during his childhood in Atlanta, isn't about trends — it's about expression. "It's hard not to put on a good piece of clothing," he adds. "Everything I have is a good piece of clothing."
That self-assurance was hard-earned. Between balancing academics, athletics, and fatherhood, Ezra's life has been shaped by resilience and purpose. Off days for him are rarely restful in the traditional sense — they're filled with parenting, family outings, or time spent simply enjoying the presence of loved ones.
"It's either being a full-time dad or just having legit fun with family and friends," he says. Whether it's shopping, bowling, or just "choppin' it up with the fam," Ezra's compass always points home.
Looking to the future, Ausar is driven by a vision far beyond basketball. "I want to continue to build the family legacy," both for his kids and for himself.
And 15 years from now?
"Hopefully I'm somewhere being driven around by my kids," he chuckled. "Somewhere on top of the world. I'm not sure exactly where — but I try to live in the moment. That's what matters."
In a world that often measures athletes by stats alone, Ezra Ausar is building something more lasting: a life grounded in family, fueled by passion, and guided by purpose. And for USC fans, that's exactly the kind of energy they can expect to see on the court this season — and far beyond.
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