The SEC confirmed its dominance in college basketball last season, producing the national champion Florida Gators and strong tournament showings from other programs, including Auburn, which reached the Final Four.
Under coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn set a school record with 32 wins, led by experienced players like Johni Broome (Naismith Player of the Year runner-up), Miles Kelly, and Chad Baker-Mazara.
Despite expectations to be a key contributor next season—especially with Broome departing—Baker-Mazara surprisingly entered the transfer portal after the season ended. On Monday, he announced his commitment to USC, moving to the Big Ten to conclude his collegiate career.
“Dreams turned into reality!! Let’s go to work!! #committed,” Baker-Mazara wrote.
Rated as a four-star transfer by 247Sports, Baker-Mazara went unranked out of high school but became instrumental to Auburn’s SEC success. He’s currently ranked No. 5 among small forwards and No. 24 overall in the transfer portal.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Baker-Mazara averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game last season. He played two seasons with Auburn after previous stints at Duquesne and San Diego State.