Auburn’s senior guard, Chad Baker-Mazara, is anticipated to return to the starting lineup this week, bolstering the Tigers as they prepare for their upcoming games. Baker-Mazara, a pivotal player for Auburn, has been averaging over 22 minutes per game this season. His recent absence from the starting lineup was due to injury concerns, which led head coach Bruce Pearl to adjust his playing time.
In a recent matchup against Vanderbilt, Baker-Mazara came off the bench, playing 28 minutes but struggling offensively, going 0-for-6 from the field. Coach Pearl acknowledged Baker-Mazara’s physical challenges, noting, “Chad is just flat-out banged up and has been limited in practice because of not being able to get reps.” Despite his offensive struggles, Baker-Mazara contributed defensively and facilitated ball movement, underscoring his versatility and commitment to the team’s success.
Earlier in the season, Baker-Mazara demonstrated his leadership and team-first mentality during a decisive 34-point victory over Richmond. He voluntarily reduced his playing time to provide freshman Jahki Howard with more on-court experience. This selfless act was praised by Coach Pearl and highlighted the strong culture within the Auburn basketball program.
Baker-Mazara’s return to the starting lineup comes at a crucial time for the Tigers, especially with the indefinite absence of star center Johni Broome due to a left ankle sprain. In Broome’s absence, Baker-Mazara stepped up significantly, leading the team with 20 points in an 88-66 victory over No. 15 Mississippi State. His performance was instrumental in maintaining Auburn’s top ranking and showcased his ability to elevate his game when the team needed it most.
As Auburn prepares to face formidable opponents in the coming weeks, Baker-Mazara’s experience, leadership, and on-court versatility will be invaluable. His return to the starting lineup is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s performance on both ends of the court. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Baker-Mazara back in his starting role, contributing to the Tigers’ pursuit of continued success this season.
