Chad Baker-Mazara has emerged as one of college basketball’s most compelling stories during his 2025-26 season at USC, earning national recognition while averaging 20.4 points per game for the Trojans. The 6-foot-7 senior guard-forward from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has transformed his game on the biggest stage after a remarkable journey through multiple colleges.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Chad Baker-Mazara leads USC with 20.4 PPG during his breakout 2025-26 season
- Named Maui Invitational MVP on November 26, 2025, becoming the first player to win the tournament twice
- Selected to Julius Erving Award Top 20 Watch List for small forward of the year recognition
- Born January 27, 2000 in Santo Domingo, Baker-Mazara has earned All-Tournament honors and Big Ten recognition
From Santo Domingo to National Recognition
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Baker-Mazara’s path to USC showcases resilience and ambition. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he moved to Colonia, New Jersey during his junior year of high school without knowing he was leaving his homeland. He then attended SPIRE Academy in Ohio before beginning his college journey.
His college career started at Northwest Florida State College, then transferred to San Diego State where he earned Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year recognition. He later played for Duquesne and Auburn before joining USC for his final year of eligibility in May 2025.
Leading USC’s Explosive Offensive Attack
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Since arriving at USC, Baker-Mazara has transformed into the Trojans’ premier scorer and leader. Through early January, he averaged 20.4 points per game along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Coach Eric Musselman has integrated him seamlessly into the offense as USC competes in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
His performance extends beyond the regular season. In November 2025, Baker-Mazara scored a career-high 34 points against Troy in a dominant home victory. He has consistently delivered 20-plus point performances that anchor USC’s competitive Big Ten campaign.
| Season Statistic | Baker-Mazara Average |
| Points Per Game | 20.4 PPG |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.1 RPG |
| Assists Per Game | 3.1 APG |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.4 BPG |
Historic Maui Invitational Victory and National Awards
Baker-Mazara etched his name into tournament history on November 26, 2025, when he led USC to the Maui Invitational championship. The Trojans defeated Arizona State 88-75, with Baker-Mazara scoring 23 points and earning tournament MVP honors. This achievement was extraordinary: he became the first player to win the Maui Invitational twice, having won it previously with Auburn in 2024.
Beyond tournament achievements, Baker-Mazara earned selection to the Naismith Julius Erving Award’s Preseason Top 20 Watch List in October 2025—recognition that acknowledges elite small forward play across the nation. During his time at Auburn, he was named a finalist for the Julius Erving Award, demonstrating his sustained excellence across multiple programs.
The Auburn Foundation and Path to USC
Baker-Mazara’s previous season at Auburn positioned him for breakout success at USC. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and appeared in 35 games for the Tigers, starting nine of them. When Auburn made an unexpected Final Four run in 2025, Baker-Mazara gained valuable tournament experience.
After Auburn’s season concluded, Baker-Mazara entered the transfer portal in April 2025 and committed to USC in May. As a senior pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with minors in sports coaching, Spanish, and sociology, he brought maturity and leadership to Eric Musselman’s squad.
What Should Fans Watch For in USC’s Remaining Season?
Chad Baker-Mazara shapes USC’s postseason trajectory as the Trojans navigate Big Ten competition toward potential NCAA Tournament success. Will his scoring prowess translate into deep tournament runs? His exceptional athleticism at 6-foot-7, combined with his proven three-point range and ball-handling skills, positions him to dominate against elite opponents.
Baker-Mazara’s final collegiate campaign represents the culmination of an inspiring international journey, from Santo Domingo to becoming a national scoring leader. Fans should monitor his performance in upcoming Big Ten games and watch whether Julius Erving Award consideration continues through the season. The question remains: can this well-traveled senior lead USC to an unexpected championship run in his final year of eligibility?
Sources
- ESPN – Chad Baker-Mazara 2025-26 season statistics and game logs
- CBS Sports – Maui Invitational championship coverage and tournament MVP award
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Julius Erving Award watch list and finalist announcements
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.