At 25, Auburn veteran forward Chad Baker-Mazara has made the cut for one of the oldest active players in Division I basketball.
A recent cryptic post from Baker-Mazara has stirred buzz about him eyeing another season on the hardwood. While there has been no official statement about the possibility of the seasoned Dominican Republic native finding some way back to college hoops one more time, there is a solid chance he could return to college instead of entering the NBA Draft.
Chad Baker-Mazara Hints at Potential Sixth NCAA Season
Chad Baker-Mazara has worn several jerseys over his college journey—beginning at Duquesne and then briefly stopping at San Diego State—before finding a role at Auburn.
He has established a good reputation as a moody defensive hustler and multi-dimensional scorer across these programs, often in ways that are not evident on the stat sheet. His general ability to adapt to different systems and coaching styles indicates a significant basketball IQ and maturity, traits coveted by coaches at all levels.
NEW: Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara teases return for 2025-26
The 25-year-old senior averaged 12.3 PTS, 3 REB, and 2.7 AST this seasonhttps://t.co/6SVSdSyMpM pic.twitter.com/AkOPBd1txJ
— On3 (@On3sports) April 7, 2025
The intrigue began when Baker-Mazara seemed to imply that his college days were still far from over by his latest posting.
And, of course, there was something out of the continuing age of COVID eligibility extensions, medical redshirts, and NCAA waivers that didn’t make it impossible for someone, even such a baby-faced 25-year-old, to come back for a sixth season.
Whether it was a true hint or just some fun with the fans, genuine questions were raised as to whether he would be able to have another year and whether Auburn or some other program might want him back.
If, indeed, Baker-Mazara had to somehow find another avenue back into the NCAA, he would instantly bring experience, leadership, and depth to a rotation that so badly needs a veteran presence.
His age and the discipline he has shown on the floor make him somewhat of a trump card in conference play, where the stakes are much higher.
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For Baker, this would mean one additional year to increase opportunities abroad or, simply, to close an irregularly long chapter in college. For the institution or another would entail stability and maturity in a locker room filled with younger talent.
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