Just weeks ago, Chad Baker-Mazara had Auburn fans holding their breath, tweeting, “2025/26 War Eagle?” with a sly eyes emoji. The 6’7″ guard’s hint at returning seemed to tie perfectly with the Tigers’ thrilling 2025 Final Four run. For Tiger Nation, it felt like Baker-Mazara had one more dance left on the Plains. But as it turned out, the crossover move was only a setup, and a bombshell was about to land.

Mazara first stunned the Tigers by entering the transfer portal a week ago, and now …

According to Field of 68, “BREAKING: Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara has committed to USC, he told @TheFieldOf68.” The sudden decision came after Baker-Mazara was granted an extra year of eligibility, following the NCAA’s ruling favoring former JUCO players. His career kicked off at Duquesne before a transfer to San Diego State, and a stint at Northwest Florida State has kept his eligibility alive, following his JUCO transfer status. (After the Pavia case)

Many believed he would stay loyal to Auburn after the ruling, but instead, he entered the portal alongside Jahki Howard and Addarin Scott. With Tahaad Pettiford still weighing his NBA Draft options, Auburn’s roster shuffle looked like a fast break gone wrong.

Baker-Mazara now becomes USC’s eighth addition from the portal, and according to 247Sports, he’s their highest-ranked prize. Yet as news broke, a different narrative took off.

Fan Reacts to Chad Baker-Mazara’s Departure from Auburn: A Mix of Celebration and Skepticism

In the chaotic swirl of fan reactions, one comment stood out: “He’s just there to see Bronny.”

For those who remember, Bronny James played college basketball for the USC Trojans during the 2023–24 season. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th pick. Now, as Chad Baker-Mazara heads to USC, the chance to witness Bronny in a Trojans uniform is nothing but a missed opportunity. 

Others saw it differently. One fan pointed out, “USC doesn’t really have a true PG (that isn’t a freshman), but Keonte Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara could be total mismatches with their playmaking ability, size, and athleticism. I think that could work, especially with CBM’s shooting.”

And they’re not wrong. The Trojans’ backcourt lacks a proven, veteran point guard. Trent Perry, a 6’3” freshman, is the only true PG on the roster. The Harvard-Westlake product was named California MaxPreps Player of the Year, averaging 18.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting an impressive 55% from the field. He’s ranked 28th in ESPN’s top 100 and in the top 5 for point guards, but he’s still adjusting to college ball.

Then there’s Clark Slajchert, more of a shooting guard than a true point guard, who transferred from Penn (according to his bio on the USC Trojans website). And Desmond Claude, who has done a solid job as a PG, but has of late just been bouncing between PG and SG, struggling to find consistency in one role.

Enter Chad Baker-Mazara: a natural PG who could provide much-needed stability. His ability to run the offense and mentor Perry while adding scoring and playmaking depth could really elevate USC’s game. Allowing a player like Desmond to both act as an additional hub while reprising his original role as a shooting guard and score more.

Some fans were less enthusiastic. “Huge addition? You’re full of shit, USC is still going to be awful,” one fan argued. Yet, Baker-Mazara’s numbers speak for themselves. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the 2024-25 season. With a history of consistent production—14 games with 15+ points and eight with five or more assists—his presence could improve USC’s chances.

Perhaps the funniest, yet most fitting, comment came from a fan who said, “Perry Ellis crawled. Hunter Dickinson walked. So Chad Baker-Mazara could run.” It’s a cheeky reflection on how Baker-Mazara made a bold move away from Auburn, a program on the rise, while others stayed the course. While Perry Ellis stayed loyal to Kansas and Dickinson walked to Michigan before heading to Kansas, Baker-Mazara’s decision to leave Auburn wasn’t just a typical transfer. It marked a moment when he sought his own path outside the SEC’s shadow.

Baker-Mazara’s departure is celebrated by many fans, especially those tired of SEC dominance. One fan posted a montage of players celebrating with the comment: “CHAD BAKER-MAZARA IS OUT OF THE SEC.” After Auburn’s dominant season, with Johnnie Broome leading the charge, some argue that the Tigers’ once unstoppable force is now fractured with players like Broome leaving and Baker-Mazara heading to USC. While some mourn the loss of Auburn’s cohesion, others can’t help but celebrate the shifting landscape in college basketball.