Auburn, Bruce Pearl Officially Receive Disappointing Transfer Portal News
The Auburn Tigers and head coach Bruce Pearl were one of the premier teams in college basketball during the 2024-25 season. Behind a relentless defense, high-powered offense, and veteran leadership, the Tigers soared to a 32-6 overall record, capped by an impressive NCAA Tournament run that ended in the Final Four. In that penultimate game, Auburn battled fiercely but ultimately fell to the eventual national champion Florida Gators, losing 79-73 in a thriller that could have gone either way.
Despite the heartbreak, Auburn fans had every reason to be optimistic about the future. Bruce Pearl had built a powerhouse — a mix of talented young players and experienced leaders — ready to contend again next season. However, the offseason has brought some unexpected turbulence.
On Monday morning, the Tigers officially suffered a major blow via the transfer portal. Chad Baker-Mazara, the 6-foot-7 star guard who played a pivotal role in Auburn’s success this past year, announced that he has committed to the USC Trojans. The news, reported by CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein, sent shockwaves through Auburn circles.
“Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara has committed to USC, per his IG page,” Rothstein reported. “A seismic get for the Trojans.”
Baker-Mazara’s departure stings deeply for Auburn. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he was a key contributor and a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting an impressive 44.8% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. His versatility, athleticism, and ability to stretch the floor made him a vital piece of Pearl’s system.
Replacing Baker-Mazara won’t be easy. His unique skill set allowed Auburn to be flexible with their lineups, and he often provided crucial scoring bursts when the offense stalled. Beyond the stats, Baker-Mazara also brought energy, leadership, and experience — all intangibles that fueled Auburn’s deep tournament run.
For Baker-Mazara, the move to USC represents a fresh opportunity. The Trojans, who are looking to re-establish themselves as a Pac-12 power, get a dynamic, two-way player who can impact games immediately. His ability to defend multiple positions and knock down shots from deep will make him an instant weapon in USC’s arsenal.
Meanwhile, Bruce Pearl and the Tigers will regroup and look toward filling the void. Pearl has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and Auburn’s strong recruiting class along with potential transfer additions should help soften the blow. Still, there’s no denying that losing Baker-Mazara is a significant setback.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball, Auburn’s situation serves as another reminder that even the top programs aren’t immune to roster upheaval. Pearl and the Tigers will need to adapt quickly if they want to remain among the nation’s elite next season.
Big Blue Nation may be feeling the sting today, but knowing Bruce Pearl’s track record, Auburn won’t stay down for long.
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