Chad Baker-Mazara Hints at His Age-26 Season Return to Auburn
The Auburn Tigers bowed out of the 2025 NCAA tournament in the Final Four after suffering a tough loss to the Florida Gators, but Bruce Pearl’s side could see a key member of the team return for the 2025-26 season.
The Tigers had an average age of 23.2 years during the tournament, making them the oldest team in the field. One of their veteran players, senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara, teased on social media Monday that he may be looking to return for one more season.
Baker-Mazara turned 25 in January. He already has four years of college basketball under his belt, including two with Auburn. Baker-Mazara posted on X indicating that he hadn’t yet ruled out a return to the school for his age-26 season.
Baker-Mazara started 34 of 38 games for Auburn this past season and posted averages of 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest. He shot 38.1% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game while averaging 25.6 minutes on the floor.
The 25-year-old started his collegiate career at Duquesne back in 2020-21. He played at San Diego State in 2021-22 before sitting out the 2022-23 season. He then transferred to Auburn where he played the next two years.
If he did return next season, he’d be one of the oldest players in all of college basketball. The 2024-25 Auburn squad consisted of nine seniors and four juniors for a total of 13 upperclassmen. Despite their experience, they weren’t able to reach the national championship after entering the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed.
Getting Baker-Mazara back for one more season would be a huge coup for Pearl & Co. as they look to remain competitive and make their fifth straight tournament appearance.
Chad Baker-Mazara, a key player for Auburn basketball, recently hinted at the possibility of returning for the 2025-26 season, which would be his age-26 year. The 6’6″ guard/forward, who has been a consistent contributor for the Tigers, is considering this move following a recent NCAA ruling that grants additional eligibility to athletes from junior colleges, a category in which Baker-Mazara qualifies.
Baker-Mazara, who has averaged 12.7 points per game in the 2024-25 season with impressive shooting percentages, including 47.2% from the field and 38.9% from three, could benefit from this extra year. His versatility on the court has made him a valuable asset to Auburn, and his return would provide depth and experience for the Tigers in the upcoming season.
On social media, Baker-Mazara posted a message to Auburn fans, asking, “What ya think auburn fam run it back?!” This suggests that he is seriously contemplating his return. Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl also spoke about the possibility, noting that Baker-Mazara qualifies for another year of eligibility.
If he returns, Baker-Mazara would continue to be a major force for Auburn, solidifying their already competitive roster. Fans are eagerly awaiting his decision.
