Chad Baker-Mazara, a seasoned 6-foot-7 wing from the Dominican Republic, has announced his commitment to the USC Trojans for the 2025–26 NCAA basketball season. This move marks another chapter in his remarkable collegiate journey, which has spanned multiple programs and leagues.
Born on January 27, 2000, in Santo Domingo, Baker-Mazara moved to the United States before his junior year of high school, attending Colonia High School in New Jersey. He later played at SPIRE Academy in Ohio, a well-known prep school for basketball talent. His collegiate career began at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he averaged 9.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game during the 2020–21 season. Following a transfer to San Diego State, he was named the Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, contributing 6.4 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. However, his time at SDSU was cut short due to academic issues, leading to his departure from the program .
In the 2022–23 season, Baker-Mazara played for Northwest Florida State College, where he showcased his scoring ability by averaging 15.2 points per game. His performance caught the attention of Auburn University, and he transferred to the Tigers for the 2023–24 season.
At Auburn, Baker-Mazara became a pivotal figure for the Tigers. In the 2024–25 season, he started 34 of 38 games, averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His contributions were instrumental in Auburn’s run to the Final Four, and he earned Third-Team All-SEC honors .
Beyond his on-court achievements, Baker-Mazara’s leadership and experience were invaluable to the team. His emotional response after Auburn’s SEC Tournament victory, where he shared the moment with his family via FaceTime, highlighted his deep connection to the game and his roots .
The NCAA’s decision to grant an additional year of eligibility to athletes who spent time outside the NCAA, such as in junior college, allowed Baker-Mazara to extend his college career. This waiver enabled him to transfer to USC and compete for the Trojans in the upcoming season .
Baker-Mazara’s decision to join USC brings a wealth of experience to the Trojans. His versatility as a wing player, combined with his scoring prowess and defensive capabilities, will be assets to USC’s program. As he embarks on this new chapter, both he and the Trojans are poised for a promising season ahead.
