Early Life and High School Career
Born on January 27, 2000, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Baker-Mazara’s basketball journey began at Colonia High School in New Jersey. There, he showcased his talent by leading his team to back-to-back final four appearances in the Greater Middlesex Conference tournament, averaging 18.9 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals during his senior year. His exceptional performance earned him the Home News Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year award and selections to prestigious all-star games .​Wikipedia+1Auburn Tigers Athletics+1Auburn Tigers Athletics
College Career: A Journey Through Multiple Programs
Duquesne University (2020–2021)
Baker-Mazara began his collegiate career at Duquesne, where he quickly made an impact. He ranked third in the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 41.7% shooting percentage from behind the 3-point arc, the second-best percentage by a freshman in program history. Additionally, he ranked No. 11 in the league in blocked shots, demonstrating his all-around game .​Reuters+4Auburn Tigers Athletics+4Saturday Down South+4
San Diego State University (2021–2022)
Seeking new challenges, Baker-Mazara transferred to San Diego State, where he was named the Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year. In his role off the bench, he averaged 6.4 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the team’s success .​Auburn Tigers Athletics+2Sporting News+2Saturday Down South+2Auburn Tigers Athletics
Northwest Florida State College (2022–2023)
In the 2022–2023 season, Baker-Mazara played at Northwest Florida State College, leading the Raiders to the NJCAA National Championship Game. He averaged 15.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with an impressive 46.9% shooting from 3-point range .​https://www.wlox.com+5Sporting News+5Auburn Tigers Athletics+5Saturday Down South+2Auburn Tigers Athletics+2Wikipedia+2
Auburn University (2023–2025)
Baker-Mazara’s journey culminated at Auburn University, where he became a cornerstone of the Tigers’ basketball team. In the 2024–2025 season, he started 34 of 38 games, averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His performance was instrumental in Auburn’s 32–6 record and their advancement to the Final Four, where they narrowly lost to eventual national champions, Florida .​Reuters
The Transfer Portal Decision
Despite his success at Auburn, Baker-Mazara announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal for his final year of eligibility. In a heartfelt social media post, he expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the Auburn community for their unwavering support over the past two years .​Reuters
This decision comes at a time when Auburn is undergoing significant changes. Alongside Baker-Mazara, key players Johni Broome, Denver Jones, Dylan Cardwell, and Miles Kelly have either graduated or exhausted their eligibility, leaving the team to rebuild its starting lineup for the upcoming season .​Reuters
Looking Ahead: Potential Landing Spots
As Baker-Mazara explores his options through the transfer portal, several programs could benefit from his versatile skill set. His experience across multiple conferences and his ability to perform under pressure make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a seasoned player with leadership qualities.​
Chad Baker-Mazara’s decision to enter the transfer portal signifies both an end and a new beginning in his collegiate basketball journey. His path, marked by perseverance and adaptability, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. As he prepares for the next chapter, the basketball community eagerly anticipates the impact he will undoubtedly make, wherever he chooses to continue his career.​
