“He’s Not Done Yet”: Chad Baker-Mazara’s New Post Has Auburn Fans Buzzing About His Return

In today’s era of social media breadcrumbs and cryptic player posts, sometimes a simple Instagram story can cause an earthquake in a college basketball community. And for Auburn fans, that earthquake arrived in the form of a few choice words from Chad Baker-Mazara—words that now have Tiger Nation buzzing with excitement and speculation that one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers could be back in orange and blue next season.

The post wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t even particularly long. But it was enough. “Unfinished business,” Baker-Mazara wrote, accompanied by a photo of himself in an Auburn uniform, mid-jump shot, with his trademark intensity on full display. That two-word phrase, so often used by athletes on the cusp of big decisions, sent Auburn Twitter and message boards into a frenzy. Could this mean what everyone hopes it means? Is Chad Baker-Mazara running it back for another season with Bruce Pearl’s squad?

The timing of the post only added fuel to the fire. With the NCAA Tournament freshly wrapped and player movement across the country beginning to pick up, eyes have naturally turned to the status of key returning pieces. Baker-Mazara, who transferred to Auburn from Northwest Florida State College by way of a winding collegiate journey that included stops at Duquesne and San Diego State, became one of Auburn’s most intriguing players during the 2024–25 season. Now, as speculation swirls about the roster for next year, his cryptic message has suddenly become the focal point of offseason conversation.

Baker-Mazara was a revelation this past season. At 6-foot-7, with a smooth handle and a defensive edge, he brought length, versatility, and swagger to Auburn’s lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions, hit big shots, and bring emotion to the floor made him a fan favorite almost overnight. In a team stacked with talent, he carved out a vital role—often the glue guy, sometimes the spark plug, always the competitor. While he wasn’t the leading scorer on a nightly basis, his impact was impossible to miss. When Auburn needed a stop, a momentum-shifting dunk, or a clutch corner three, Baker-Mazara often answered the call.

What made his rise even more compelling was the backstory. This wasn’t a five-star recruit handed the keys to the program. This was a player who had to grind, who faced adversity, and who found a home at Auburn under Bruce Pearl’s player-friendly, high-energy system. The fit was seamless. Pearl gave Baker-Mazara the freedom to play to his strengths, and in return, the Dominican-born wing gave the Tigers heart and hustle every time he stepped on the floor.

Now, the question becomes: Is there truly “unfinished business” for Baker-Mazara at Auburn?

The phrase is commonly used by players who either fell short of a team goal—like a conference title or a deep NCAA Tournament run—or who feel they haven’t fully displayed their potential. For Baker-Mazara, it might be both. Auburn, despite flashes of brilliance, exited earlier than fans had hoped in March Madness. Individually, Baker-Mazara had games where he looked like a future pro, but also moments where he battled inconsistency, particularly with foul trouble and staying in rhythm offensively.

Another year under Pearl’s guidance could turn him from a strong contributor into an SEC star. And perhaps that’s exactly what he’s hinting at.

For Auburn fans, the idea of Baker-Mazara returning is more than just about stats or minutes. It’s about identity. His style—feisty, confident, unrelenting—mirrors the kind of basketball culture Pearl has worked hard to build on the Plains. Auburn isn’t just a team that wants to win; it’s a program that wants to win with edge. Baker-Mazara fits that mold perfectly, and losing a player like that would not only hurt the depth chart, but also the emotional makeup of the team.

The fan response to the post was immediate. Comments poured in, emojis flew, and screenshots of the story went viral within Auburn’s online community. Fans dissected the phrasing, the timing, and even the tone of the post like detectives searching for clues. Some noted that it wouldn’t be the first time a player hinted at a return before making it official. Others wondered if he was simply expressing personal feelings before ultimately declaring for the draft or entering the transfer portal. But most took it as a sign of optimism—a reason to believe that Auburn’s 2025–26 roster could still have one of its most electric players back in the fold.

Coach Pearl, for his part, has remained tight-lipped on the matter, as expected. NCAA rules and the fluid nature of the transfer portal mean coaches often stay out of public speculation. Still, those close to the program say Pearl has a strong relationship with Baker-Mazara and would undoubtedly welcome him back with open arms. Pearl has a long track record of helping players improve their stock with an extra year of college ball—just look at the development arcs of guys like Isaac Okoro, Chuma Okeke, and Devan Cambridge. There’s no question he sees a high ceiling for Baker-Mazara, and the two seem to share a mutual trust.

What makes this potential return even more compelling is what it could mean for Auburn’s outlook next season. With a strong recruiting class incoming and key pieces potentially staying put, Baker-Mazara’s return could be the glue that holds it all together. His presence would provide continuity, leadership, and experience—especially valuable in a conference as tough and deep as the SEC.

Additionally, his versatility would give Pearl options. He can play the 2, 3, or even small-ball 4, depending on matchups. That kind of flexibility opens up lineups and creates matchup problems for opponents. And if he can take another leap on the offensive end—particularly improving consistency from three and tightening his decision-making—he could play himself into NBA Draft consideration.

But perhaps the most important factor in all of this is what it means to Auburn’s fanbase. College basketball, especially in this era of constant roster turnover, is increasingly about moments and connections. Fans fall in love with players who show heart, who embrace the community, and who seem to get what it means to wear their school’s colors. Baker-Mazara is one of those players. He didn’t just show up—he showed out, and he did it with Auburn pride.

That’s why the response to his post was so visceral. Fans aren’t just hoping he returns for basketball reasons—they’re hoping because they’ve grown attached to him. Because in a season filled with ups and downs, he was a steadying presence. Because when he flexed after a dunk or shouted after a big stop, it felt like the whole arena flexed and shouted with him.

Of course, nothing is confirmed yet. The offseason is long, and many factors go into a player’s decision to return or move on. But if “unfinished business” is more than just a caption—if it’s a commitment to seeing something through—then Auburn fans might just get their wish.

And if Baker-Mazara does come back, the possibilities are exciting. A full offseason in the program, another year under Pearl, a chance to be a featured player—it’s the kind of setup that can turn a very good college player into a household name. Auburn has done it before. It could happen again.

In the end, college basketball thrives on these moments—the hope, the mystery, the energy of what might come next. One social media post can change the narrative of an entire offseason. And for Auburn fans, Chad Baker-Mazara’s message wasn’t just a tease. It was a spark. A reason to believe that the story isn’t over, that the best chapters might still be ahead.

He called it “unfinished business.” If that’s truly the case, then business is about to pick up on the Plains.