Auburn’s All-SEC standout Chad Baker-Mazara has entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh opportunity for his final season.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks yet another turn in a basketball journey that has already seen its fair share of stops, growth, and transformation. The 6’7” wing, who earned All-SEC honors during his time at Auburn, has decided to explore new horizons for his final year of college eligibility. While this news might surprise some Auburn fans, those who’ve followed his career know that Baker-Mazara has always embraced change — and used it as a platform for evolution.
This move raises several questions: What prompted his decision? Where might he go next? And what does this mean for both him and the Auburn Tigers? To answer those questions, we have to take a closer look at his career to date, the current college basketball landscape, and the attributes that make him one of the more intriguing players in the portal.
A Basketball Journey Across Four Stops
Before he ever set foot in Auburn, Chad Baker-Mazara had already experienced a winding road through the collegiate ranks. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the U.S., Baker-Mazara has always carried a certain international flair in his game — smooth, confident, and versatile. His ability to adjust quickly to different systems and environments has been a hallmark of his development.
He began his college career at Duquesne, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. Known for his long frame, shooting touch, and defensive instincts, he was one of the few first-year players in the Atlantic 10 who looked like he belonged from day one. Still, after just one season, he decided to transfer, seeking a program that fit his goals and development better.
Next came a brief stint at San Diego State, a program known for its gritty, defensive identity. Though he contributed in flashes, it wasn’t quite the right match. From there, Baker-Mazara transferred to Northwest Florida State College, a junior college where he finally found room to spread his wings. At NWFSC, he was a standout, leading the team in scoring and helping them win a national title. His performance there reignited interest from top Division I programs — including Auburn.
Breakthrough at Auburn
Chad Baker-Mazara joined the Auburn Tigers ahead of the 2023–24 season, bringing his unique blend of length, scoring ability, and maturity to Bruce Pearl’s program. Despite the Tigers boasting a deep, talented rotation, Baker-Mazara carved out a role for himself quickly. By mid-season, he was a starter and a key contributor on both ends of the court.
Offensively, he provided consistent scoring from the wing, averaging around 10 points per game while shooting efficiently from the floor. His three-point shooting was a weapon, often stretching defenses and opening up the lane for teammates. But it wasn’t just his offense that caught attention — his defense, basketball IQ, and toughness earned him All-SEC honors by season’s end.
Pearl often praised his maturity and adaptability. In a league stacked with future pros and elite athletes, Baker-Mazara stood out for his steadiness. He rarely forced shots, played within the flow of the offense, and was capable of guarding multiple positions. His presence was one of the reasons Auburn remained competitive in a brutal SEC.
So why leave now?
A Strategic Move
Though it may seem surprising for an All-SEC player to enter the transfer portal, there are several reasons why this move makes sense for Baker-Mazara. For one, he has just one year of eligibility left. For players in his position — experienced, accomplished, and hoping to make the leap to the professional ranks — every decision is calculated with that goal in mind.
At Auburn, Baker-Mazara played a key role, but the rotation was deep. He shared minutes with other talented wings and wasn’t always the focal point of the offense. By transferring, he could look for a situation where he’s given an expanded role, potentially increasing his scoring average and showcasing more of his offensive arsenal — something scouts often want to see before making a long-term investment.
Additionally, Baker-Mazara has already proven that he can adapt to new systems quickly, and that’s a big asset in today’s transfer-heavy NCAA landscape. Whether it’s joining a mid-major that gives him the keys to the offense or finding a high-major program that needs a proven leader on the wing, his options are wide open.
There’s also the simple fact that players in his position want to be somewhere that maximizes their visibility. If he finds a team with more national TV exposure, stronger March Madness potential, or a system that better showcases his strengths, the transfer becomes not just a step — but a leap — forward.
What He Brings to the Table
Let’s take a look at the on-court package Baker-Mazara offers:
- Versatile Scoring: He can score at all three levels — from deep, mid-range, and at the rim. He’s especially deadly as a spot-up shooter but can create off the dribble when needed.
- Defense and Length: At 6’7” with a solid wingspan, he’s an ideal modern wing defender. He switches well on screens, contests shots without fouling, and often guards the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer.
- Basketball IQ: Baker-Mazara plays under control, makes smart decisions with the ball, and understands spacing and timing. His game is polished — the product of years of high-level experience.
- Leadership and Experience: He’s seen it all — multiple programs, styles of play, and levels of competition. That kind of veteran presence is rare and extremely valuable in the locker room.
Potential Landing Spots
While it’s still early in the process, several types of programs make sense for a player like Baker-Mazara:
- High-Majors in Need of a Veteran Wing
Programs like Kansas State, Miami, or USC might be interested. These are schools that value experienced transfers who can plug in and play immediately. - Mid-Majors with Big Roles to Offer
A program like VCU or Dayton could offer him the role of a primary scorer while still competing on a national level. - Programs with International Ties or Pro Development Focus
Schools like Arizona or Gonzaga, which often develop international players and have strong pro pipelines, could appeal to Baker-Mazara’s long-term goals.
No matter where he ends up, one thing is clear: any team that gets Baker-Mazara is getting a ready-made contributor — someone who can lead, score, and defend from day one.
What This Means for Auburn
From Auburn’s perspective, losing Baker-Mazara definitely stings — but it’s not a devastating blow. Bruce Pearl has recruited well year after year, and the Tigers still have talent on the wing. That said, replacing his production, leadership, and defensive presence won’t be easy.
The Tigers will likely look to the portal themselves for a replacement or count on internal development. Players like Aden Holloway or Denver Jones could see expanded roles next season. But Pearl will miss Baker-Mazara’s consistency and big-game experience.
Final Thoughts
Chad Baker-Mazara’s entrance into the transfer portal is more than just a footnote in the chaotic world of college basketball — it’s a case study in how players are navigating today’s landscape. For Baker-Mazara, the decision is about maximizing opportunity, making one final leap, and finding the right platform to showcase the player he’s become.
With his size, skill, and experience, he won’t be in the portal for long. Whichever program lands him will get a polished, motivated, high-level player with something to prove — and the talent to back it up.
As he closes the chapter on his Auburn tenure and begins the search for his final collegiate home, Chad Baker-Mazara stands as a reminder of how perseverance, adaptability, and vision can shape a career in the ever-evolving world of college hoops.
