USC Basketball: Boogie Ellis, DeMar DeRozan Open Up on Mental Health Struggles

Two big-name Trojans were not shy to open up and inspire others.

DeMar DeRozan has been preaching for athletes at every level to seek mental health help if needed for years now. When he first hit the scene at USC as a freshman and suited up in 35 games as he made a name for himself, he had no idea what was ahead of him. 

DeRozan has shut down the popular notion of money being the key to happiness on multiple occasions and has even said that he wishes everybody in the world could be rich so that they could see that true happiness comes from a multitude of outlets.

He recently visited USC's campus and connected with the men's basketball team to continue preaching this message as part of his new video series: "Dinners with DeMar." Now playing for the Chicago Bulls and entering the later part of his professional basketball career, he understands he can make a huge impact on the next generation of athletes.

One current Trojans star, Boogie Ellis, decided to illustrate his own battles with mental health while DeRozan was in attendance and revealed that he truly felt lost before he arrived at USC and found the support he needed.

Proud of @BoogieEllis and thankful for @DeMar_DeRozan coming to campus to discuss mental health and premiere his new video series, "Dinners With DeMar!" pic.twitter.com/YTFYoIL5AE

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 23, 2024

"I had no adversity until I came to college," said Ellis. "I was at Memphis, I was away from my family. I did go through a time where I went through depression, not wanting to play basketball, not wanting to do anything. When I got to USC is when I finally got help." 

(Via USC Men's Basketball X account)

Ellis' and DeRozan's messages should continue to be echoed throughout the basketball community.