Chad Baker-Mazara’s unexpected exit from Auburn after a Final Four appearance has reignited the debate over NIL’s influence on college basketball. The former Tigers wing committed to USC for his final year of eligibility after entering the transfer portal.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s Transfer Ignites Fan Debate Over NIL’s Role in College Hoops
While Auburn reportedly explored a new agreement to keep him, Jeff Goodman of the “Field of 68” noted that, “Hall’s addition fueled his decision to test the portal.”
The situation highlights the growing tension between legacy and opportunity, as athletes now weigh tradition against lucrative NIL-driven moves in an increasingly competitive college sports landscape.
Following Auburn’s run to the Final Four, senior forward Chad Baker-Mazara was widely expected to return for one final season.
After averaging 12.3 points per game—second-best on the team—and logging the second-most minutes during the 2025 campaign, he appeared poised for a senior sendoff as a full-time starter after serving as the Tigers’ sixth man the previous year.
Instead, Baker-Mazara entered the transfer portal in April and committed to USC, marking his fifth school in six seasons.
The 25-year-old Dominican Republic native, who rose through the junior college ranks before arriving at Auburn, became a central figure in the ongoing debate about Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and its influence on college basketball.
According to multiple reports, the decision stemmed in part from Auburn’s recruitment of UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall—another forward expected to fill a similar role. Hall’s reported NIL package, which exceeded $2 million and was nearly double Baker-Mazara’s offer, reportedly left the veteran feeling undervalued.
The development stunned many Auburn fans, especially given Baker-Mazara’s established role and contributions.
“Without any kind of appeal, Chad Baker has another year of eligibility,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said in March. “He does because he fits all the criteria.”
Fan reactions were swift and passionate.
“Ya, anyone who’s against 18-21 year olds making tens of thousands of dollars more because of ‘loyalty’ are dumb. It’s the same in the work force,” one supporter wrote online.
Another added, “There is no such thing as loyalty in the NIL era.”
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
A third fan remarked, “The only thing anyone is loyal to is money. College programs have been this way for decades now. The players are just finally catching up in the NIL era.”
With Baker-Mazara gone, Auburn reloaded by bringing in JUCO standout Abdul Bashir, former Texas Tech guard Kevin Overton, and Division II wing Elyjah Freeman. But the broader conversation continues: Is loyalty the responsibility of the players—or the programs—when financial incentives are on the line?
Despite spending two years building a connection with the Auburn community, Baker-Mazara was never contractually bound to stay. In today’s evolving NIL environment, his decision reflects a larger trend where proven talent seeks market value, even if it means moving on.
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