Auburn men’s basketball transfer Chad Baker-Mazara commits to Southern California

One of the most coveted players in the men’s college basketball transfer portal has decided on his next home.

Chad Baker-Mazara, the mercurial Auburnguard/forward who was one of the best players during this past season’s Final Four run, announced his commitment to Southern Californiaon Monday.

Dreams turned into reality!!” he wrote in a post on social media. “Let’s go to work!!”

The 6-foot-7 Baker-Mazara averaged 12.3 points and a team-high 1.2 steals per game last season while starting in 34 of Auburn’s 38 games. He was second on the team in scoring, behind only first-team All-America forward Johni Broome, and earned third-team All-SEC honors.

Dreams turned into reality!!” he wrote in a post on social media. “Let’s go to work!!”

The 6-foot-7 Baker-Mazara averaged 12.3 points and a team-high 1.2 steals per game last season while starting in 34 of Auburn’s 38 games. He was second on the team in scoring, behind only first-team All-America forward Johni Broome, and earned third-team All-SEC honors.

USC went 17-18 in 2024-25 in its first season under coach Eric Musselman, who was one of the first college basketball coaches to lean heavily into the portal to build his rosters during previous stints at Arkansas and Nevada.

Baker-Mazara’s commitment isn’t only notable because of the impact he can have for a USC team vying for a Big Ten title, but because of his age.

The native of the Dominican Republic will turn 26 years old next January, making him a month older than Indiana Pacers all-star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who’s in his fifth NBA season.

Baker-Mazara began his college career at Duquesne in 2020-21 before later playing at San Diego State in 2021-22 and Northwest Florida State in 2022-23. He transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2023-24 season.