After an exhilarating run with Auburn basketball that culminated in a trip to the Final Four, Chad Baker-Mazara has announced that he will be entering the transfer portal as he embarks on his sixth season in college basketball. In a heartfelt message shared on his social media, Baker-Mazara expressed gratitude towards Auburn for the incredible two years he spent with the team.
“First, I wanna thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to do what I love, but I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my teammates, coaching staff, and the entire Auburn Family for their unwavering support over these past two years! With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal. Gracias, Auburn,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This season, Baker-Mazara became a standout player for Auburn, leading the team in scoring during their exciting Final Four journey. Averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 38 games, he showcased his prowess by shooting an impressive 44.8 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from behind the arc. His resilience was evident when he consistently scored in double figures throughout the season, hitting a season-high of 22 points against Kentucky in March.
In the teams’ Final Four clash against Florida, he showcased his skills by scoring 18 points, hitting 6 of his 10 shots, and sinking 4 out of 7 from three-point range. It’s clear that Baker-Mazara’s talent has not gone unnoticed; he’s poised to be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. Luckily for him, he has one more season of eligibility due to his time at Northwest Florida State, where he played junior college basketball.
As Auburn prepares for the next season, significant changes are on the horizon. Coach Bruce Pearl has faced a profound shift in his lineup, having seen his entire starting five depart after a stellar season that saw them earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. With key players like Johni Broome, Denver Jones, Dylan Cardwell, and Miles Kelly moving on, Pearl has already begun to reshape the roster by bringing in new talent, including Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy.
It remains to be seen whether Pearl can replicate the same magic that led to such a successful season. However, there’s certainly hope within the Auburn community as they look towards the future—eager to see how these new additions will mesh with the program’s culture and philosophy. For Baker-Mazara, this move signifies a fresh beginning as he carefully considers his next steps in a journey rife with potential and promise. As fans, we certainly wish him the best as he navigates this pivotal chapter in his basketball career.
Image Source: Chad Baker-Mazara @ Instagram
