It's hard to believe, but Chad Baker-Mazara may not be done playing with the Auburn Tigers once March Madness ends after all. This season, Baker-Mazara has been exciting to watch, as he took home Third-Team All-SEC honors for his brilliant work on both ends of the floor.
He's the definition of a college veteran too, as he turned 25 in January. With him having one year left of eligibility, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has left the door open for CBM to return in 2025-26.
It looks like it's surely something that No. 10 is considering. Indeed, Baker-Mazara appears to have hinted that he might end up playing for the SEC powerhouse next season and delay looking to go pro. What happens in the NCAA Tournament over the next few weeks will surely have an impact on his decision too.
— Chad Baker-Mazara (@ChadBaker2700) March 17, 2025
Chad Baker-Mazara hinted on social media he might return to Auburn next season
In his latest social media post, Baker-Mazara dropped the eyes emoji in response to Pearl saying he could see him playing next season. Do we really think the senior guard would do that if he wasn't seriously considering donning a Tigers jersey next campaign?
This season for Auburn, the 6-7, 180-pounder from the Dominican Republic is averaging 12.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. As great as he's been, that doesn't mean his season hasn't included some drama too.
We're of course talking about the regular-season finale against Alabama. In that loss for the Tigers, which Mark Sears won for Bama in buzzer-beating fashion, Baker-Mazara was ejected from the action for a dirty elbow on Chris Youngblood.
Pearl and his staff were furious with Baker-Mazara, with Pearl saying it was unacceptable several times too. This led to Baker-Mazara being benched for the start of the Tigers' game against Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament.
That was part of the punishment and now this team is ready to move forward. Auburn is the No. 1 overall seed for the Big Dance and it has a great chance to win it all. In order for that to happen, Baker-Mazara will need to be at his best, but he'll also have to keep his cool at all times.