In a college basketball world that has become increasingly defined by the transfer portal, NIL deals, and one-and-done stars, the words “I’m not going anywhere” hit different. And for Auburn fans, those five words from Chad Baker-Mazara carried the weight of a season’s worth of hope, grit, and unfinished business.
On Friday afternoon, Auburn’s standout guard officially announced he will be returning to The Plains for the 2025–26 season. It’s a move that sent a ripple of excitement throughout the fan base and solidified Bruce Pearl’s Tigers as a legitimate contender in the SEC and potentially beyond. Baker-Mazara’s return doesn’t just bring back scoring, length, and swagger — it brings back a leader whose best basketball may still be ahead of him.
The 6-foot-7 wing, who made his presence felt all season with his smooth shooting stroke, defensive versatility, and fiery on-court demeanor, had been weighing his options since Auburn’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run came to a close. With whispers of NBA interest and lucrative NIL opportunities reportedly on the table, many believed Baker-Mazara might test the waters or even make the jump to professional basketball.
Instead, he shut it all down with a simple, emphatic statement posted to social media: “I’m not going anywhere.”
In an era where players often choose personal advancement over team continuity — and rightfully so — Baker-Mazara’s return is a statement of loyalty, belief, and vision. He believes in what Pearl is building. He believes in the talent around him. And most importantly, he believes that his story at Auburn isn’t finished.
Last season, Baker-Mazara averaged 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field and an impressive 42% from beyond the arc. But the raw stats don’t tell the full story. He was Auburn’s emotional engine, the player who thrived in the big moments, whether it was hitting a momentum-shifting three or locking down an opposing star on the perimeter. He played with edge, with confidence, and with a chip on his shoulder that became contagious inside Neville Arena.
For Pearl and the coaching staff, getting Baker-Mazara back is like adding a star transfer without needing to recruit one. His return creates continuity in a backcourt that already has rising talents and incoming freshmen ready to contribute. But there’s no substitute for experience — and Baker-Mazara brings SEC-tested toughness that simply can’t be taught.
Even more importantly, his decision to return sets the tone for the entire program.
There was a time when the Auburn Tigers were an afterthought in the college basketball landscape. Not anymore. Under Pearl, the Tigers have become a consistent force in the SEC and a threat on the national stage. They’ve produced NBA players, won conference titles, and made deep tournament runs. But what separates the good programs from the great ones is their ability to keep stars around, to build something sustainable, and to stack seasons together.
That’s what Baker-Mazara’s return represents. It’s not just about one more year — it’s about a culture where guys want to come back, even when they don’t have to. Where winning matters more than individual accolades. Where the jersey on the front means more than the name on the back.
His decision also speaks volumes about the relationship between player and coach. Bruce Pearl is widely known as one of the most passionate and player-friendly coaches in the country, and Baker-Mazara’s growth since arriving at Auburn has been undeniable. Once a raw, talented guard bouncing between stops at San Diego State, Duquesne, and Northwest Florida State, Baker-Mazara has found a home in Auburn — and a coach who knows exactly how to unlock his full potential.
That mutual trust is evident every time the two interact on the sidelines. Pearl allows Baker-Mazara to play his game, to take calculated risks, to be himself — and in return, the guard plays with an edge that few in college basketball can match. It’s a partnership built on belief, and now it gets at least one more season to chase greatness together.
The announcement also has major implications for Auburn’s 2025–26 roster. With Baker-Mazara back in the fold, the Tigers will return one of the most dynamic two-way guards in the country. He’ll anchor a team that features a mix of seasoned veterans and explosive young talent, giving Pearl the kind of lineup flexibility every coach dreams of.
His ability to guard multiple positions, create his own shot, and stretch the floor gives Auburn countless lineup options. He can play the two or the three, initiate offense, or spot up off-ball. He’s a connector, the type of player who makes everyone around him better — and in tight SEC battles, that kind of versatility is gold.
But beyond the X’s and O’s, Baker-Mazara’s return brings intangibles that don’t show up in the box score. Leadership. Toughness. Accountability. He’s not afraid to speak up in the locker room or get in a teammate’s face if effort isn’t there. He’s also the first to lift someone up when they need it. That kind of presence is invaluable over the grind of a long season.
And for the Auburn faithful, this is more than just a basketball decision. Baker-Mazara has become a fan favorite — a player who embodies the passion and pride of the program. He signs every autograph, plays with his heart on his sleeve, and always shows up when it matters most. In a blue-collar town that loves its hoops, he’s exactly the kind of player Auburn fans rally behind.
Social media exploded within minutes of his announcement. “RUN IT BACK,” read one tweet. “Captain is back,” wrote another. Former teammates, NBA players, and even rival fans chimed in, acknowledging what a massive win this was for Auburn. The Tigers aren’t just returning a good player — they’re returning their identity.
Looking ahead to next season, the expectations will undoubtedly rise. Auburn will no longer be a dark horse — they’ll be circled on every opponent’s calendar. But that’s exactly how Baker-Mazara likes it. He thrives in the spotlight, embraces the challenge, and plays with a fire that can turn an ordinary Tuesday night in February into a must-watch event.
And while the NBA will almost certainly come calling again next spring, that’s a conversation for another day. For now, Chad Baker-Mazara is back in orange and blue, ready to chase banners, legacy, and something even bigger than himself.
His story at Auburn isn’t finished — in fact, it may be just getting started.
In a sport that changes fast and moves even faster, staying put is sometimes the boldest move a player can make. And for Chad Baker-Mazara, bold is nothing new.
He’s not going anywhere.