- 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])
In response to these departures, Pearl and his staff have been active in the transfer market, securing commitments from five new players: JUCO big man Emeka Operum, UCF transfer KeyShawn Hall, Texas Tech transfer Kevin Overton, Mississippi State transfer Keshawn Murphy, and JUCO guard Abdul Bashir. These additions are expected to play crucial roles in Auburn’s efforts to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming season. ([SI][4])
The current landscape of college basketball, characterized by increased player mobility and NIL opportunities, has made roster stability more challenging. Pearl has acknowledged the complexities of this environment, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic recruitment to sustain success. ([The Washington Post][5])
As Auburn prepares for the 2025–26 season, the team faces the task of integrating new talent and establishing cohesion. While the departure of Baker-Mazara and the entire starting lineup is a setback, the program’s proactive approach in the transfer market reflects a commitment to rebuilding and competing at a high level.([Fly War Eagle][3])
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/auburn-transfer-chad-baker-mazara-commits-usc-2025-04-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/auburn-wing-chad-baker-mazara-hits-transfer-portal-2025-04-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/03/ncaa-college-basketball-rules-transfers-nil/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/auburn-transfer-chad-baker-mazara-commits-usc-2025-04-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara commits to USC”
[2]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/auburn-wing-chad-baker-mazara-hits-transfer-portal-2025-04-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Auburn wing Chad Baker-Mazara hits transfer portal”
[3]: https://flywareagle.com/bruce-pearl-frustratingly-replace-entire-starting-5-from-final-four-run-chad-baker-mazara?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Bruce Pearl frustratingly has to replace entire starting 5 from Final …”
[4]: https://www.si.com/college/auburn/basketball/bruce-pearl-thoughts-auburn-portal-additions-01js6074xsdx?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Bruce Pearl Breaks Down Thoughts on Auburn’s Current Portal …”
[5]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/03/ncaa-college-basketball-rules-transfers-nil/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Nobody controls college basketball:’ How programs build amid anarchy”
