In a surprising turn of events, Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the end of his time on The Plains and opening the door to yet another chapter in one of college basketball’s most winding journeys. The 25-year-old senior, known for his tenacious defense, clutch scoring ability, and resilient mentality, made the announcement Thursday morning via social media.
“After talking with my family and praying on it, I’ve decided to enter my name into the transfer portal and explore my options,” Baker-Mazara wrote. “I’m forever grateful for the Auburn family and the love I’ve received from the coaches, my teammates, and the fans. This place helped me grow as a man and a player. Thank you for everything.”
The announcement instantly sent ripples through the college basketball community, not only because of his impact on the Tigers last season but also because of his unique path. Baker-Mazara’s journey through collegiate basketball is one few can match — spanning multiple schools, continents, and levels of adversity that would have derailed most players. Now, with a final year of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 pandemic and NCAA’s extended eligibility guidelines, he’s preparing to make the most of his last ride.
Baker-Mazara appeared in 28 games for Auburn this past season, starting 13, and was a key contributor during the Tigers’ NCAA Tournament run. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three. While his stats weren’t eye-popping, his impact often went far beyond the box score. He brought a certain edge to Bruce Pearl’s squad — a mix of seasoned poise and no-nonsense grit that served as a stabilizer when things got chaotic.
His ability to step into any situation and produce was part of what made him so valuable. Whether it was providing defensive stops late in close games or delivering timely buckets off the bench, Baker-Mazara earned his reputation as a glue guy — the kind of player coaches trust to make winning plays. But after just one season in Auburn orange and blue, he’ll now look elsewhere for his final year.
The move comes as somewhat of a shock given Baker-Mazara’s role within the program and his deep connection with teammates. However, sources close to the situation indicate that the decision was motivated by a desire to take on a bigger offensive role elsewhere, with an eye toward preparing for a professional career either in the NBA or overseas. Given his age and experience, it’s understandable that he’d be looking to maximize his final collegiate season not just as a contributor, but as a centerpiece.
A 6-foot-7 guard originally from the Dominican Republic, Baker-Mazara has one of the most unconventional backgrounds in the sport. He began his college career at Duquesne in 2020, showing promise as a freshman. But a coaching change and shifting team dynamics led him to seek a new opportunity, and he eventually landed at San Diego State. His time there was short-lived, and he later transferred again — this time to Northwest Florida State, a junior college powerhouse. There, Baker-Mazara reignited his game, leading the Raiders to a JUCO national title in 2022 and earning tournament MVP honors in the process.
It was during his JUCO stint that Baker-Mazara re-established himself as a high-level Division I talent, prompting Auburn to bring him into the fold ahead of the 2023-24 season. At Auburn, he brought maturity, leadership, and a defensive presence to a young and dynamic roster. His toughness and vocal presence helped elevate the Tigers’ perimeter defense, which ranked among the best in the SEC.
Despite his solid production and positive influence in the locker room, Auburn’s backcourt is getting increasingly crowded. With players like Aden Holloway, Tre Donaldson, and Denver Jones all expected to return, as well as the addition of incoming freshman phenom Jared Harris, Baker-Mazara may have seen the writing on the wall. A reduced role didn’t seem to align with his long-term goals, and entering the portal offers a fresh start and potentially more opportunities to showcase his full skillset.
Reaction to his announcement was swift and heartfelt. Several Auburn teammates and coaches expressed their appreciation on social media, wishing him well in his next chapter.
“Real one. Gonna miss you bro,” Donaldson tweeted. “Whoever gets you is getting a dawg.”
“Chad was the ultimate competitor and teammate,” Bruce Pearl said in a brief statement. “He gave everything to this program and helped us win a lot of games. I’ll be rooting for him wherever he goes.”
Given his talent, experience, and versatility, Baker-Mazara is expected to draw significant interest in the transfer market. He can play both guard spots, defend multiple positions, and has developed a reliable outside shot. For teams looking for a plug-and-play veteran who can provide leadership and toughness, he’ll be one of the top names available.
His age — 25 — is both a rarity and an asset in college basketball. While it limits his NBA ceiling in some scouts’ eyes, it also makes him incredibly valuable in the right college program. Few players bring the kind of life experience, resilience, and basketball savvy that Baker-Mazara does. He’s seen just about everything the college game has to offer — from the bottom of the rotation to the top of the mountain — and he’s battled through adversity every step of the way.
Now, as he prepares for one final run, the question becomes: Where will Chad Baker-Mazara land?
There are already rumors swirling about potential suitors. Programs in the ACC, Big East, and Big 12 are believed to be in contact, with several coaches reportedly intrigued by his blend of size, skill, and toughness. Don’t be surprised if a top-tier program in need of backcourt help jumps to the front of the line.
It also wouldn’t be surprising if Baker-Mazara looked for a landing spot that gives him a more central offensive role. At Auburn, he was a key piece but not always the focal point. In his next destination, he’ll likely be seeking a system that gives him the freedom to create, operate in pick-and-roll situations, and expand his game further as a scorer and facilitator.
For Auburn, his departure is bittersweet. While losing a player of his caliber is never easy, the program remains in good hands. Pearl and his staff have built a deep and talented roster, and they’re already in the mix for several high-level transfers and recruits. Still, the intangible qualities that Baker-Mazara brought to the team — the edge, the grit, the veteran wisdom — won’t be easy to replace.
The news also serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of college basketball in the transfer portal era. Gone are the days when players stayed put for four years and rode out their college careers at a single school. Today’s landscape is fast-moving, and players are constantly weighing their options, especially with NIL opportunities, shifting rosters, and professional aspirations all playing a role.
For Baker-Mazara, this next step is as much about business as it is basketball. With just one year left to prove himself before going pro, every minute on the floor matters. Every touch, every possession, every shot — it’s all part of the resume. And while Auburn gave him a platform, his eyes are now fixed on a stage where he can do even more.
One thing is certain: wherever he goes, Baker-Mazara will bring intensity, maturity, and a chip on his shoulder. He’s built a career on overcoming setbacks, proving people wrong, and making the most of every opportunity. That won’t change now.
His next team will be getting a player who doesn’t just want to play basketball — he wants to leave a legacy. And he has one more year to do it.
As the portal chaos unfolds over the next few weeks, keep an eye on Chad Baker-Mazara. He may not be the flashiest name in the mix, but few players have the resume, the experience, or the hunger he brings to the table. At 25, he’s one of college basketball’s ultimate survivors. And his journey isn’t done yet.