Chad Baker-Mazara, the star guard for Auburn basketball, dazzles the NCAA world and turns down Michigan’s $5.4 million NIL offers.
Chad Baker-Mazara, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Auburn University’s basketball program. His journey from the Dominican Republic to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence.Auburn Tigers Athletics+1Wikipedia+1
Early Life and High School Career
Born on January 27, 2000, Chad Baker-Mazara moved to the United States in 2017 to live with his grandfather, Bailey Baker, in Colonia, New Jersey. At Colonia High School, he averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game as a senior, earning the Home News Tribune Player of the Year honor. He also played a postgraduate year at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, contributing to a 23–4 record and a No. 8 national ranking. Wikipedia+1Auburn Tigers Athletics+1
College Career
Duquesne University (2020–2021): Baker-Mazara started his collegiate career at Duquesne, where he averaged 9.5 points per game over 15 games, making 13 starts. On3+4Wikipedia+4Saturday Down South+4
San Diego State University (2021–2022): He transferred to San Diego State, earning the Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging 6.4 points and 2.0 rebounds in 31 games. Sporting News+2Wikipedia+2Saturday Down South+2
Northwest Florida State College (2022–2023): At Northwest Florida State, Baker-Mazara led the team with an average of 15.2 points per game, shooting 46.9% from three-point range. Saturday Down South+2Wikipedia+2Sporting News+2
Auburn University (2023–Present): In his first season with Auburn, Baker-Mazara played in 35 games with nine starts, averaging 10.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He scored a career-high 25 points in a win over Georgia on February 24, 2024. Sporting News+1Wikipedia+1ESPN.com+5CBSSports.com+5https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com+5
Impact at Auburn
Baker-Mazara’s versatility and experience have significantly bolstered Auburn’s lineup. His performance during the 2024–25 season earned him a spot as one of the five finalists for the Julius Erving Award, recognizing the nation’s top small forward. Wikipedia
Michigan’s NIL Offer
In a landscape where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have transformed collegiate athletics, Baker-Mazara’s marketability has not gone unnoticed. Reports indicate that the University of Michigan extended a $5.4 million NIL offer to the star guard, highlighting his value both on and off the court.
Decision to Stay at Auburn
Despite the lucrative offer from Michigan, Baker-Mazara chose to remain at Auburn for the 2024–25 season. He announced his decision with a message in Spanish on Auburn’s social media, stating, “My work is not yet finished. War Eagle!” Sporting NewsOn3+1Sporting News+1
Chad Baker-Mazara’s journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a star at Auburn University exemplifies dedication, talent, and a strong sense of purpose. His decision to turn down a substantial NIL offer underscores his commitment to his team and personal goals, solidifying his status as a role model in collegiate sports.
