Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The move comes after the Tigers reached the Final Four this season. Baker-Mazara started most games for Auburn during their successful run.
He will play his fifth college basketball season in 2025-26. Baker-Mazara turned 25 in January. A temporary NCAA waiver allows student-athletes from non-NCAA schools, like junior college or NAIA, to play a fourth season at an NCAA school. This waiver provides Baker-Mazara his extra year of eligibility.
The 6-foot-7 wing spent his last two seasons at Auburn. Before that, he played one season at Northwest Florida State, a junior college program. His college career began at Duquesne before he transferred to San Diego State.
Baker-Mazara's freshman year at Duquesne in 2020-21 did not count against his eligibility. This was due to the NCAA's COVID waiver that season. His path through multiple programs, including junior college, has shaped his unique eligibility status.
During his two seasons at Auburn, Baker-Mazara averaged 11.2 points per game. He shot 44.9% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. His length allowed him to defend multiple positions on the court.
Baker-Mazara was the second-leading scorer for the Tigers this past season behind Johni Broome. He averaged 12.3 points per game while adding 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He shot 38.1 percent from beyond the arc this season as Auburn made its run to the Final Four.
Known for being a vocal player, Baker-Mazara sometimes drew controversy. He was ejected twice for Flagrant 2 fouls in the last two seasons. One came against Yale in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and another against Alabama this past season.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl showed confidence in Baker-Mazara despite the incidents. Pearl spoke about Baker-Mazara's passion and intensity. He noted that sometimes the pressure Baker-Mazara puts on himself causes issues. Pearl also stressed that Baker-Mazara could impact games beyond scoring, highlighting his rebounding, defense, and communication.
Pearl stated he trusted Baker-Mazara with the ball. He believed Baker-Mazara would make the correct play.
Baker-Mazara had previously hinted he might return to Auburn. However, he decided to pursue other options in the transfer portal.
