Chad Baker-Mazara’s journey from a junior college standout to a key contributor for Auburn’s historic Final Four run, and now to the USC Trojans, is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his basketball career.
Born on January 27, 2000, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Chad Baker-Mazara’s basketball roots trace back to his father, Derrek Baker, who played college basketball at South Carolina State before embarking on an international playing and coaching career. Seeking better opportunities, Chad moved to the United States to live with his grandfather in Colonia, New Jersey, prior to his junior year of high school. There, he played two seasons of high school basketball at Colonia High School before transferring to SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, for his senior year. At SPIRE, he honed his skills and attracted attention from college scouts, setting the stage for his collegiate basketball journey.
Chad’s collegiate path began at Duquesne University, where he played during the 2020–2021 season. Seeking more playing time and a different environment, he transferred to San Diego State for the 2021–2022 season. However, his time there was short-lived, leading him to seek opportunities elsewhere.In 2022, Baker-Mazara enrolled at Northwest Florida State College, a junior college powerhouse. During the 2022–2023 season, he led the Raiders to a 29–8 record and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship Game. Averaging 15.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from three-point range, his performance caught the attention of Division I programs across the country. His standout season earned him the MWC Sixth Man of the Year award, highlighting his significant impact off the bench.
In May 2023, Baker-Mazara transferred to Auburn University, joining a program on the rise under head coach Bruce Pearl. Standing 6’7″ and weighing 180 pounds, his versatility allowed him to play both guard and forward positions. He quickly became a key figure for the Tigers, starting 34 of 38 games during the 2024–2025 season. Averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, he was instrumental in Auburn’s success. His performance earned him Third-team All-SEC honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the conference’s top players
Auburn’s 2024–2025 season was historic. The team finished with a 32–6 record, clinched the SEC regular-season title, and advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history. Baker-Mazara’s leadership and scoring ability were pivotal in their deep tournament run. In the Final Four matchup against Florida, he led Auburn with 18 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Despite the loss, his contributions throughout the season were invaluable.
While his time at Auburn was largely successful, Baker-Mazara’s tenure was not without controversy. In a first-round NCAA Tournament game against Yale, he was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul after elbowing an opponent. The ejection disrupted Auburn’s game plan, and the team suffered a narrow 78–76 loss, ending their tournament run earlier than expected. Baker-Mazara expressed his frustration on social media, calling the decision “lame,” a move that drew criticism from analysts who questioned his maturity and composure in high-pressure situations.
In April 2025, Baker-Mazara entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a new challenge and opportunity for his final season. On April 28, he announced his commitment to the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, marking a new chapter in his collegiate basketball career.
USC, a program with a rich basketball tradition, offers Baker-Mazara the platform to showcase his skills on a national stage. His experience and versatility will be assets to the Trojans as they aim to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. The transition to the Pac-12 Conference presents new challenges and opportunities, and Baker-Mazara’s leadership and experience will be crucial in navigating this new environment.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s journey through various programs—from Duquesne to San Diego State, then to Northwest Florida State, Auburn, and now USC—reflects his resilience and determination. Each stop has contributed to his growth as a player and individual. At USC, he has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, both on and off the court. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that perseverance and adaptability can lead to success, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the wa
As he prepares for the upcoming season with USC, all eyes will be on Baker-Mazara to see how he continues to evolve and contribute to his team’s success. With his experience, skill set, and leadership qualities, he is poised to make a significant impact in the Pac-12 Conference and beyond.
