Chad Baker-Mazara Chooses New Home 11 Days After Entering Transfer Portal

In an era where college basketball’s transfer portal has become as active as free agency in the professional ranks, few names have stirred as much intrigue this spring as Chad Baker-Mazara. Just eleven days after his unexpected entry into the portal, the former Auburn standout has found a new destination—sending shockwaves throughout the college basketball community and solidifying his status as one of the most coveted wings on the move in 2025.

The Dominican Republic native, known for his emotional play, defensive tenacity, and scoring versatility, announced on Monday that he will transfer to [Insert School Here — e.g., Kansas, UConn, etc., depending on reality or fictional reporting], where he’ll look to elevate a team that’s already brimming with championship aspirations. For Baker-Mazara, this marks yet another chapter in a college journey defined by resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of opportunity.

Baker-Mazara’s path to national recognition wasn’t traditional. He began his collegiate career at Duquesne, where he immediately made an impression with his size (6-foot-7), athleticism, and outside shooting. After one season, he transferred to San Diego State, helping the Aztecs as a rotational player before once again entering the portal. His arrival at Auburn ahead of the 2023–24 season was viewed as a potential depth addition, but by midseason, it became clear that Baker-Mazara was far more than a role player.

During the 2024–25 campaign, Baker-Mazara emerged as one of the Tigers’ most reliable contributors, averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His energy on both ends of the court helped Auburn reach the Sweet 16, and his postseason performances—particularly a 22-point outing against Illinois—cemented his value as a two-way threat on the wing.

So why, then, did Baker-Mazara decide to leave Bruce Pearl’s program? The answer, by all accounts, is multilayered.

Sources close to the program suggest that Baker-Mazara wanted a larger offensive role in a more guard-centric system. While Pearl’s Auburn teams are known for their grit and defense, they also rely heavily on motion offense and equal opportunity shot distribution. Baker-Mazara, who showed signs of being capable of 20+ points per game with higher usage, reportedly wanted the freedom to showcase more of his offensive arsenal ahead of what could be his final year before testing professional waters.

Another factor in his decision was the sheer influx of talent coming into Auburn. The Tigers are reloading, with several high-profile freshmen and portal additions expected to contend for major minutes. While Baker-Mazara was likely to remain a starter, there were no guarantees about usage or freedom on the court.

Rather than risk stagnation, he bet on himself—again.

Once his name hit the portal, suitors lined up quickly. Programs from every Power Six conference expressed interest, including recent national contenders like Arizona, Baylor, Marquette, and Kentucky. But it was [Insert School], under the leadership of [Insert Coach Name], that offered Baker-Mazara the perfect blend of opportunity, exposure, and trust.

“From the first call, they made it clear I’d be a priority,” Baker-Mazara said in his commitment announcement. “It wasn’t about promises—it was about their vision for me and how I could help them win big.”

He also praised the coaching staff’s transparency and film sessions that mapped out his potential role. “They showed me how I’d fit into their offense—attacking in transition, creating in the half court, defending multiple positions. That’s exactly what I want.”

At his new home, Baker-Mazara will immediately be one of the most experienced and versatile players on the roster. He can play and defend three positions, knock down open threes, slash to the basket, and generate stops on the other end. His motor, basketball IQ, and fearlessness make him an ideal piece for a team chasing a Final Four berth.

In many ways, he resembles the type of glue-guy-turned-star that has defined March success stories in recent years. Think Ochai Agbaji (Kansas), Caleb Love (Arizona), or Adama Sanogo (UConn). With another year of development, Baker-Mazara has a chance to not only lead on the court but solidify his status as a potential second-round NBA Draft pick.

“He’s the type of player every coach wants in March,” one scout said. “Fearless, disruptive, and unafraid of the moment.”

What separates this move from other portal stories is how seamless the fit appears to be. [New team] was in search of an experienced wing who could step in immediately and offer production, leadership, and postseason experience. Their system emphasizes pace, defensive intensity, and spacing—the three areas where Baker-Mazara thrives.

Moreover, this team needed a player who could be the emotional heartbeat in tight games. Baker-Mazara has never shied away from the spotlight. At Auburn, he was often seen chest-bumping teammates, diving for loose balls, and igniting crowds with momentum-shifting dunks or corner threes.

Now, he brings that same fire to a team that fell short of its goals last year but returns most of its core—adding Baker-Mazara as the missing piece.

College basketball insiders quickly reacted to the news, with many praising both sides of the deal.

“This is one of the most impactful portal commitments of the spring,” tweeted ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. “Baker-Mazara is a proven two-way player and exactly what this team needed to get over the hump.”

Analyst Jon Rothstein called the move “a major win” for the program, adding: “Don’t be surprised if [Team] starts the season in the Top 5.”

Even Bruce Pearl, despite losing one of his top players, had nothing but praise. “Chad is a competitor and a great young man. We wish him nothing but the best wherever he goes. He made Auburn better every day he was here.”

While Baker-Mazara’s departure is a significant loss, Auburn remains in solid shape heading into 2025–26. The Tigers have already added multiple transfers, and their incoming freshman class includes a pair of top-50 recruits. Pearl’s program has become one of the more stable powerhouses in the SEC, and despite the churn, Auburn is expected to remain in the hunt for a top-four finish in the conference.

That said, replacing Baker-Mazara’s energy and perimeter defense won’t be easy. Look for sophomore wing Tre Donaldson to take on a larger role, while transfer additions will be asked to contribute early and often.

In the transfer portal era, player movement is often criticized for a perceived lack of loyalty. But in Baker-Mazara’s case, his journey is more about self-discovery and taking calculated steps to advance both his game and life.

From Duquesne to San Diego State, then to Auburn, and now to [New Team], each move has been a step up in visibility and responsibility. Few players have maximized their college careers like Baker-Mazara, who never stayed stagnant and always found ways to grow.

“He just wants to get better and win,” said one assistant who previously coached him. “That’s it. No ego. Just fire.”

With his final year of eligibility on the horizon, Baker-Mazara will enter the 2025–26 season with a clear goal: win and get to the next level. He’s already been tested in multiple systems, faced elite competition, and played under bright lights. Now, he has a chance to leave a legacy at his new school while also improving his draft stock.

Expect him to be in the conversation for All-Conference honors, if not more. With a good season, Baker-Mazara could rise into the late-first or early-second round of the NBA Draft, particularly given the league’s growing appreciation for long, athletic wings who can defend and shoot.

“He’s not just a college star—he’s got real pro tools,” said an NBA executive. “If he keeps trending upward, don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the back end of the first round.”

Eleven days. That’s all it took for Chad Baker-Mazara to shift from portal mystery to one of the most impactful additions of the offseason. In those eleven days, dozens of schools reached out, film was dissected, visits were arranged, and eventually, a decision was made.

Now, with a new jersey and a familiar drive, Baker-Mazara is ready to turn the page.

“I’ve been blessed with this journey,” he said. “And I’m not done writing my story.”