USC Trojans Land Former Auburn Tigers Guard Chad Baker-Mazara From Transfer Portal
In a pivotal move that could shape the direction of USC basketball heading into the 2025–26 season, the Trojans have secured a commitment from former Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara. The 6-foot-7 wing, known for his versatility, defensive tenacity, and offensive spark, officially announced his decision via social media, closing the book on a remarkable and winding collegiate journey that has spanned multiple programs and conferences.
This latest transfer acquisition by new USC head coach Eric Musselman signals the program’s ambition to reload quickly and assert itself as a serious contender in the restructured Pac-12 landscape and beyond. But who is Chad Baker-Mazara? And what does his arrival truly mean for the future of Trojan basketball?
Let’s unpack everything: his journey, his game, and why this move matters.
From Santo Domingo to Southern California: A Basketball Odyssey
Chad Baker-Mazara was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in basketball circles that prioritized both structure and style. His game reflects a blend of international savvy and American grit, and his college career has been anything but linear.
He began his NCAA career at Duquesne in 2020–21, where he immediately made an impact. Despite being a freshman, he averaged 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting nearly 43% from the field and 37% from three. His strong debut season caught the attention of coaches across the country, particularly due to his poise and ability to score in transition.
After his freshman year, he transferred to San Diego State for the 2021–22 season, where he took on a sixth-man role and thrived. In limited minutes, he averaged 6.4 points and won Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year, helping the Aztecs earn an NCAA Tournament bid. His maturity and leadership stood out even in a secondary role.
Wanting to expand his role, Baker-Mazara made the surprising decision to spend the 2022–23 season at Northwest Florida State, a junior college powerhouse. There, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot an elite 46.9% from beyond the arc, helping lead the team to a JUCO national title run. His efforts reignited interest from major programs, including Auburn.
The Auburn Chapter: Star Emergence
At Auburn, Baker-Mazara found his rhythm and an opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in college basketball. Over two seasons, he blossomed into one of the most important two-way players on a Tigers roster that reached the Final Four in 2025.
In his senior season, he started 34 of 38 games, averaging:
- 12.3 points
- 3.0 rebounds
- 2.7 assists
- 1.2 steals
- 47% FG / 39% 3PT / 84% FT
His shooting splits speak to his efficiency, but the stat sheet doesn’t fully capture his defensive prowess and leadership. He routinely guarded opposing teams’ top wings, and his high basketball IQ allowed him to slide between shooting guard and small forward seamlessly, creating mismatches on both ends.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl called him “one of the most complete players we’ve had in the past five years.”
Why USC? The Musselman Effect
So why did Baker-Mazara choose USC for what could be his final collegiate season?
The answer is twofold: opportunity and system fit.
Eric Musselman, fresh off his own success at Arkansas and a brief stint in the NBA, is known for developing hybrid wings like Baker-Mazara. Musselman’s system thrives with positionless players who can defend multiple positions, hit open shots, and function as secondary playmakers—precisely the mold Baker-Mazara fits.
In a recent interview, Baker-Mazara said:
“Coach Musselman has a proven record with players like me. He knows how to put us in spots to win and develop. USC is a place where I can finish my college career with a purpose.”
Additionally, with USC expected to lose multiple players to the NBA and graduation, including top-10 pick Isaiah Collier, there’s a clear opportunity for Baker-Mazara to step into a leadership role immediately. His experience and poise will be essential for a team likely to feature multiple underclassmen and other transfer additions.
Scouting Report: What Chad Baker-Mazara Brings to USC
1. Versatility
He can guard three positions and has the length and footwork to switch defensively. Offensively, he can create for himself and others—an underrated passer who sees the floor well.
2. Shooting Efficiency
He has a smooth, high-release jumper that allows him to shoot over smaller defenders. His catch-and-shoot mechanics are polished, and his pull-up game adds another dimension.
3. Defensive Intensity
His defensive metrics are elite. At Auburn, he posted a defensive rating of 96.2—one of the best on the team. He also averaged 1.2 steals and nearly a block per game.
4. Maturity and Leadership
Perhaps the biggest intangible. With five years of college basketball experience, including a Final Four, Baker-Mazara brings veteran leadership—something USC desperately needs after recent roster turnover.
The Broader Context: Transfer Portal & USC’s Offseason Strategy
The addition of Baker-Mazara is part of a broader offseason strategy by USC that reflects the new reality of college basketball’s transfer portal era.
With the departure of head coach Andy Enfield and the arrival of Musselman, the Trojans have been aggressive in rebuilding a competitive roster quickly. The portal has allowed teams to flip rosters in one offseason, and USC appears committed to embracing that model.
Baker-Mazara joins a growing list of experienced transfers Musselman is targeting, including:
- Trevon Brazile (Arkansas) – a stretch forward
- Caleb Grill (Iowa State/Kansas) – a shooting guard with deep range
- Khalil Ware (Indiana) – a center with elite length and athleticism
With Baker-Mazara in the fold, USC suddenly boasts a core of experienced, battle-tested players who can compete right away.
What This Means for the Pac-12 Landscape
With traditional powerhouses like Arizona moving to the Big 12, and the Pac-12 undergoing structural changes, USC finds itself in a unique position. While their impending move to the Big Ten (in 2026) looms, this season will be their last chance to assert dominance in a changing Pac-12.
Baker-Mazara’s presence gives the Trojans a reliable perimeter anchor who can match up against top-tier wings like UCLA’s Dylan Andrews or Oregon’s incoming five-star freshman class.
If USC can surround him with consistent point guard play and interior rebounding, there’s a pathway to the Pac-12 title and a top-6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Long-Term Implications: A Trojan Culture Shift
Beyond the 2025–26 season, Baker-Mazara’s arrival could symbolize a turning point in how USC approaches team-building. For years, the Trojans relied heavily on high school recruiting and NBA-ready one-and-dones (think Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, and Collier). Under Musselman, we may see a shift toward high-level transfers and older rosters that are more experienced and physically mature.
Baker-Mazara is the archetype of the new-age college player: well-traveled, polished, humble, and hungry.
A Perfect Fit at the Perfect Time
In a college basketball world in flux, Chad Baker-Mazara’s decision to transfer to USC is as logical as it is compelling. For a team searching for direction under a new coaching staff, he offers leadership. For a fanbase seeking hope, he provides immediate impact. And for a program looking to cement its identity before joining the Big Ten gauntlet, he represents stability and strength.
The question now becomes: how far can Baker-Mazara take the Trojans?
If his past is any indication, the answer could be: pretty far.
