Welcome to SZN Opener, the dynamic podcast series that celebrates Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs, challenges and aspirations along their sports journeys.
Ezra Ausar from the University of Utah sat down with SZN Opener host and fellow hooper Rodney Rikai for episode two. The junior forward is a fresh face in Utah men’s basketball, joining the program this fall in time for the university’s debut in the elite Big 12 conference. The college athlete and father of two sat down with Rikai for a 1-on-1 about family, his journey, and his love for the game.
The Atlanta native has a ‘strong village’ behind him
Coming from a talented family alongside “collegiate athletes and high-level music producers and artists,” as Rikai noted, Ausar credits his parents with being there every step of the way. “We got a strong village. Our parents have been together for years, and they led the way,” he said.
His confidence on the basketball court is undeniable, as is his love for the game. Off the court, the Atlanta native serves his community, continuing a family legacy of giving back. Last Thanksgiving, Ausar hosted a turkey drive to raise mental health awareness and support families in need. And this fall, he purchased school supplies and other necessities for the youth through back-to-school giveaways.
‘My family is number one.’
With a family of his own, Ausar enjoys being a dad. “Fatherhood is fun to me, because I’m young myself and I got two of them,” he said. “I love my kids.”
Family fuels the young father to focus on his game and lead by example. “Going back to what drives me, my kids, I know they’re watching at all times,” he said. “I’m just trying to be that leader for them.”
Being a parent motivated him early on. “When I had my first child, it was time to choose that trajectory that I was going to head down. So I’ve been staying with it this whole time. And every year, I elevated. I always want to perfect my craft,” he said. “My family is my biggest motive. My family is number one.”
His college career began at East Carolina University
Competing at IMG Academy and Liberty Heights as a high schooler set Ausar up for success in his collegiate career. He started out at East Carolina, where he became a standout player and was named to the All-AAC Freshman Team.
East Carolina was “kind of my last option at the time,” he shared. “My son was just born and I didn’t want to go too far away.” But his performance at ECU helped launch Ausar to the next level. “I don’t have no regrets.”
Rikai noted, “Your stat line for a freshman was really good, damn near a double-digit score.”
“My freshman year, I wasn’t expecting to play that much,” said Ausar. “I ended up having a year that nobody expected. I surprised myself. I’m definitely proud because that was my year. That was a great year.”
The junior forward arrived at Utah to compete in the Big 12
Ausar transferred to Utah this year for his junior season, “going from a mid-major to a Power 5 school,” Rikai said. The University of Utah debuted this fall as a new member of the competitive Big 12 athletic conference. “New team, new season. We’re learning, we’re growing,” said Ausar. “It’s a great atmosphere. Great people here, been getting nothing but love.”
So far in his first season with the Runnin’ Utes, Ausar has been recognized for being an “exciting talent.” Despite losing to Mississippi State in a November game, KSL Sports said Utah “proved pretty competitive” with Ausar leading his team in scoring with 15 points.
Ausar stays focused on the game
When it comes to basketball, Ausar is locked in and unbothered by distractions. “You gotta stay humble. I never got caught up in the hype of things,” he said. “I think I was just busy trying to focus on playing hard.”
His advice for student-athletes like himself is what got him to this point. “Don’t get caught up in the politics of things. I had to learn how to block out the noise,” he said. “Make decisions for yourself and trust yourself.”
“I always went with what I thought was the best thing for me. I trusted my decision-making,” he said.
Catch the full conversation with Ezra Ausar above. Listen to this episode of SZN Opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform.
About the ‘SZN Opener’ podcast
SZN Opener is back with brand-new episodes featuring the brightest up-and-coming athletes in college sports today. Season three returns with a fresh batch of in-depth interviews, highlighting the stories of these inspiring college athletes as they share their formulas for success both on and off their respective playing fields.
The SZN Opener podcast spotlights Black college athletes and their inspiring stories of hard work, character, and excellence. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality, producer, and filmmaker, Rodney Rikai, listen in as they share their triumphs and challenges, while navigating demanding schedules and planning for careers beyond graduation. With focus and dedication, these multifaceted college athletes embody excellence from the classroom to the playing field. Tune in to SZN Opener and discover more on CassiusLife.com.
