- Auburn men’s basketball and head coach Bruce Pearl have officially received disappointing news from the transfer portal, as standout wing Chad Baker-Mazara has committed to USC for the 2025–26 season. Baker-Mazara’s departure marks the final piece of Auburn’s starting five from its 2024–25 Final Four run to exit the program, signaling a significant roster overhaul for the Tigers.([Reuters][1])
Baker-Mazara, 25, announced his decision on social media, concluding a two-year tenure at Auburn where he played a pivotal role in the team’s historic season. In the 2024–25 campaign, he started 34 of 38 games, averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His performance was instrumental in Auburn achieving a 32–6 record and reaching the Final Four, where they fell to eventual champions Florida. ([Reuters][1], [Reuters][2])
The loss of Baker-Mazara, combined with the graduation of key players Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Miles Kelly, and Denver Jones, leaves Auburn without any returning starters from last season. This complete turnover presents a substantial challenge for Coach Pearl as he aims to rebuild the team’s core. ([Reuters][2], [Fly War Eagle][3])
