Chad Baker-Mazara is the kind of player who gets under his opponents’ skin. The 6-foot-7 swingman averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game, along with 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Every good basketball team has one or two players who really get under opponents’ skin. From Dennis Rodman in the 1980s and 1990s to players like Draymond Green today, fans love these players if they’re on their team, but can’t stand them if they’re facing them.
Why Did Chad Baker-Mazara Leave the Auburn Tigers for USC?
For the Auburn Tigers, Baker-Mazara was that player on last season’s run to the Final Four. He was expected to be a key player for Auburn entering the 2024-25 campaign, but with the recent changes in college sports, financial factors became a factor. An NIL dispute led Baker-Mazara to enter the transfer portal, and he ultimately landed at USC. The Trojans are aiming to improve their standing in the competitive Big Ten after finishing 13th last year, with an 8-12 conference record and a 15-18 overall record. This move makes Baker-Mazara’s fourth stop in his college journey.
There was some talk about whether Baker-Mazara had a beef with Auburn after the split. Wanting to shut down the rumors, Baker-Mazara addressed it on X, saying, “Is all love w Auburn.”
Auburn fans made sure to respond and wish him well: “We love you too bro! War Eagle always, and keep up the good work. No hate here.” Another added, “Wish you were still at Auburn, you are missed. thanks for the memories WDE.”
It definitely looks like the Auburn fan base really misses Baker-Mazara, and fans appreciated him clearing the air: “Miss you! Was always a fun time watching you play and I hated to see you go. Wish you the best. (Unless it’s against Auburn). And glad you were able to clear things up.”
Things seem to have ended on good terms for everyone. Baker-Mazara is off to a nice beginning at USC, with the Trojans starting out 2-0. He put up a career-high 26 points against Manhattan on Sunday. At the same time, Auburn is 2-0 under new coach Steven Pearl. Come March, USC and Auburn may meet again.
If that game happens, Baker-Mazara might want to log off social media. Those friendly tweets from Auburn fans could vanish, especially if USC knocks the Tigers out of the tournament. That would be a wild way to end Baker-Mazara’s last college season.
