Known for his scoring touch and basketball IQ, Baker-Mazara is coming off a career-best season with Auburn, where he averaged 12.3 points and 2.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 45% from the field and an impressive 38% from beyond the arc. His elite shot-making and length make him a nightmare for defenders — and his clutch gene was on full display during Auburn’s deep NCAA Tournament run. He dropped 17 points in a critical Round of 32 win over Creighton and added 18 more in the Final Four loss to Florida, solidifying his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
Though he entered the transfer portal with little fanfare — skipping the typical list-making or campus visits — Baker-Mazara made his decision behind closed doors. On Monday, he made it official: he’s headed to USC. “Dreams turned into reality! Let’s go to work!” he shared on social media, confirming his commitment to the Trojans.
USC is coming off a disappointing debut season in the Big Ten, finishing below .500 and undergoing a near-total roster overhaul. In recent days, they’ve welcomed a flurry of transfer talent, including Maryland guard Rodney Rice, as well as forwards Ezra Ausar (Utah), Jacob Cofie (Virginia), and Keonte Jones (Cal State Northridge). While they lost their leading scorer Desmond Claude, the addition of Baker-Mazara injects veteran presence, versatility, and much-needed perimeter shooting into the Trojans’ frontcourt.
Baker-Mazara is expected to be a focal point in USC’s new-look offense, likely slotting in at the small forward spot. His defensive instincts and ability to stretch the floor will give head coach Eric Musselman the tools to build a more balanced and competitive squad for the 2025–26 campaign. With this portal move, the Trojans might just be quietly assembling a dark horse contender in the Big Ten.