The short-lived drama surrounding Auburn’s last starter is already over. After entering the transfer portal shortly before closing, Chad Baker-Mazara committed to play for USC on Monday. Baker-Mazara was one of the best players on Auburn’s dominant 2024-25 roster that made the Final Four. So, why did Baker-Mazara leave Auburn in the first place? Why did Baker-Mazara choose USC? What does his addition mean to USC for next season? Let’s dive in.
Dreams turned into reality!! Let’s go to work!! #Committed @USC_Hoops pic.twitter.com/ymMVbtn6BI
— Chad Baker-Mazara (@ChadBaker2700) April 28, 2025
Chad Baker-Mazara Makes Transfer Decision, Commits to USC
Why Did He Leave Auburn?
Baker-Mazara was always seen as one of the more volatile players in college basketball. Auburn offered him a deal during the season, and everything was in place for him to return to Auburn for his final season. However, after Auburn added another forward before the Final Four, Keyshawn Hall from UCF, Baker-Mazara was reportedly upset over the disparity in price. There have been numerous rumors about the varying prices of each player, but clearly, there was enough of a gap that couldn’t be crossed. Ultimately, Baker-Mazara chose to leave for USC rather than remain with the Tigers.
Why Did Chad-Baker Mazara Join USC?
Even after getting a commitment from Rodney Rice, the Trojans could have more available money than any program in the country. Their transfer portal has been active, but not with high-end talent. Rice was the first game-changer for the Trojans before Baker-Mazara signed. Whatever his pricetag was, Chad Baker-Mazara liked the number that USC offered. Money isn’t always the most important thing, but it seemed like the largest deciding factor, especially with USC sitting towards the bottom of the Big Ten.
However, Baker-Mazara will get even more playing time on a team like USC. He played significant minutes for Auburn, but he will possibly be the star of the show. Whether that leads to more success is yet to be determined. Baker-Mazara and Rice will be the biggest pieces on the team for now, so only time will tell whether USC’s patient strategy will pay off.
What Does He Bring to USC?
Baker-Mazara averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 44.8% from the field and 38.1% from three. Defensively, he also averaged 1.2 steals per game. However, he brings a lot of experience. Baker-Mazara will be 26 next season, making him one of the oldest players in the country. He has already played in 119 games across four seasons with three different teams in Division I, including a stop in the middle at Northwest Florida State College.
Baker-Mazara also brings a lot of fire to USC, for better or worse. His attitude makes him both one of the best and worst teammates at times, occasionally yelling at his counterparts or lifting them with immense support. Whether he should be or not, Baker-Mazara will be one of the leaders in the USC locker room next season because of his experience and skill.
For USC, the addition doesn’t move the needle as much as some might say. They lost Desmond Claude to the transfer portal, meaning their two best players won’t be returning. Alijah Arenas was in a severe car accident, so his future remains in question despite exiting his coma. USC has the money, so they need to make another addition. Eric Musselman is a good coach, but he will need as stout a roster as possible to compete in the stacked Big Ten.
Photo credit: © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
