Overview
Chad Baker-Mazara grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the son of a former South Carolina State guard who went on to play and coach overseas. He moved to the United States before his junior year of high school, landing in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, where he quickly made noise at Colonia High School. As a senior, he averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.7 blocks per game and was named the Home News Tribune Player of the Year. A postgraduate season at SPIRE Academy followed, where Baker-Mazara helped the team to a 23–4 record before originally committing to Mississippi Valley State, then flipping to Duquesne. From there, he suited up for San Diego State, Northwest Florida State and Auburn before landing at USC for his final season. With the Trojans in 2025–26, he put together the best stretch of his career, averaging 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 29.6 minutes per game on 44.4%/38.1%/89.5% shooting splits. He earned Maui Invitational MVP honors, was named NABC Pacific District First Team and was a Julius Erving Award finalist during his time at Auburn.
Analysis
Baker-Mazara is a reliable catch-and-shoot threat who punishes closeouts. What separates him from a pure shooter is his passing. He reads defenses, finds cutters and takes care of the ball. He has the length to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, and his activity as a shot blocker from the wing hints at defensive upside. The frame is lean, but that leaves room for an NBA strength program to add functional muscle without sacrificing quickness and fluidity. His six years of college basketball mean he arrives with a polished, pro-ready skill set.
Projection
Baker-Mazara projects as a 3-and-D wing with secondary playmaking ability. His shooting, defensive length, and basketball IQ give him a clear path to minutes. NBA comparisons to Baker-Mazara can be made to Terrence Shannon Jr., Malik Monk and Kelly Oubre. For a team drafting late in the second round or signing an undrafted free agent, Baker-Mazara is one of the safest bets in this class to contribute right away.
— Profile by RotoWire.com