Auburn Star Chad Baker-Mazara Enters Transfer Portal After NCAA Eligibility Change

AP – AUBURN, Ala. — Chad Baker-Mazara, a standout player for Auburn men’s basketball, announced Thursday that he will enter the transfer portal. This decision follows the NCAA‘s recent ruling granting him an extra year of eligibility.

In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Baker-Mazara expressed gratitude towards God, his teammates, the coaching staff, and the Auburn community for their support over the past two years. “Gracias Auburn!,” he concluded in his announcement.

During the 2024-2025 season, Baker-Mazara was a key contributor for the Tigers, averaging 12.3 points per game and starting in 34 of 38 games. His performance helped solidify Auburn’s status as a formidable opponent, following a successful Final Four run.

Baker-Mazara is now the second Auburn player to join the transfer portal, following teammate Jahki Howard. Both players occupy the same wing position, making Auburn’s recent signings of Keyshawn Hall and Abdul Bashir increasingly significant.

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, none of the players from last year’s rotation will return. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford remains a potential candidate to change that dynamic, as he has declared for the NBA Draft but is maintaining his college eligibility.

Having previously transferred from Northwest Florida State, Baker-Mazara has proven to be a valuable asset on the court, averaging 11.2 points and shooting 44.9% from the field during his tenure at Auburn. His height of 6’7” also allows him to defend multiple positions.

However, Baker-Mazara’s career has not been without controversy. He has been ejected from games twice due to Flagrant 2 fouls, including incidents in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and again in the team’s season finale.

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has acknowledged the intensity that Baker-Mazara brings to the game. “He cares so much. He puts a lot of pressure on himself,” Pearl noted. “He can affect the game through rebounding, defending, and communicating.”

As industry analysts keep an eye on Baker-Mazara’s next move, he is expected to be one of the top names in the transfer portal. His experience and skill set ensure that he will be a significant addition to any program he joins.

Simultaneously, Auburn is actively pursuing other transfer targets to bolster its roster for the next season, following a successful campaign which ended in the Final Four against the eventual national champions, the Florida Gators. The team has already secured forward KeShawn Murphy from Mississippi State, adding depth and talent as they navigate the offseason.