What does it mean: Chad Baker-Mazara the ‘three’ Auburn needed, plus roster intel moving forward

The commitment of Northwest Florida State College wing Chad Baker-Mazara is exactly what the doctor ordered for Auburn basketball.

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Chad Baker-Mazara commits to Auburn

DEFENDER AND A DRILLER: The former Duquesne and San Diego State standout fills a massive need on Auburn’s roster. A program source called Baker-Mazara a “defender and a driller,” meaning simply, he has the ability and length to defend, and then real skills to knock down shots from the outside. The numbers bear that out.

In the 2022-23 season, Baker-Mazara averaged 15 points per game. He shot 48% from the floor and 46% from the 3-point line, and also was an 83% free-throw shooter.

He started his career at Duquesne in 2020-21 and started 13 of 15 games. During that season, Baker-Mazara averaged 9.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and added 17 assists, 15 steals and 13 blocks. He was 46-of-105 (43.8%) from the floor, 25-of-60 (41.7%) from 3, and 26-of-32 (81.3%) from the free-throw line.

Baker-Mazara transferred to San Diego State the following season, earning Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year honors. He appeared in 31 games and averaged 6.4 points and 2.0 rebounds. He hit 66-of-157 (42%) from the floor, 22-of-56 (39.3%) from 3 and 44-of-49 (89.8%) from the free-throw line.

CONTEXT ON THE SAN DIEGO STATE DEPARTURE: Sources confirmed to Auburn Live that Baker-Mazara did leave SDSU due to poor academic performance.

But, Baker-Mazara went the JUCO route, will graduate, and is eligible to enroll at Auburn. Fresh start.

A source intimate with Baker-Mazara described Auburn’s newest commitment as being an edgy, tough player that’s been through the fire, been through some transitions, and will bring a certain intensity with him to the Tigers’ program.

TYRIN LAWRENCE OUT OF THE EQUATION? Probably.

Sources close to Lawrence have told Auburn for weeks now that the Tigers were in “good position,” sources tell Auburn Live. But, Lawrence is also on the record saying his focus is on the NBA right now. He has until May 31 to withdraw his name from the draft.

Sources also tell Auburn Live on Thursday night that Lawrence has posed some questions about Auburn’s guards, specifically wondering what his playing time and production might look like with Denver Jones, Aden Holloway, Tre Donaldson and K.D. Johnson all set to play important minutes next season at the guard positions.

So, is Auburn done with Lawrence? Per a very knowledgeable source on Thursday night, the answer was “probably so.” Lawrence had his shot, Auburn couldn’t wait forever, and Bruce Pearl isn’t necessarily one to double back and revisit recruitments. Never say never, but that’s the latest.

NOW WHAT? The addition of Baker-Mazara pushes Auburn really close towards a full roster.

Assuming Johni Broome returns (which isn’t a guarantee, but is the expectation still), the Baker-Mazara commitment will give Auburn 11 scholarship players. That’s under the working assumption that Lior Berman will be put on scholarship, which program sources have indicated for well over a month is expected to happen.

With two scholarships remaining, here’s the most likely scenario: Auburn searches for one more big man, either high school or transfer. The Tigers could take a high school prospect with potential, or simply take what’s left in the transfer portal. Sources indicate that hasn’t been decided.

The 13th and final scholarship is likely to be awarded to another walk-on, sources tell Auburn Live. We’ll see how it plays out, but that’s the indications immediately following Baker-Mazara’s commitment.

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