Chad Baker-Mazara – Syndication Server

In photos: No. 3 Auburn handles North Alabama at Neville Arena

Johni Broome scores 30 points while four other Tigers reach double-digits in the 102-69 win over North Alabama on Monday.

The No. 3 Auburn Tigers handled business on Monday by taking down in-state foe North Alabama, 102-69, in its final tune-up before competing in the Maui Invitational beginning next Monday.

It was a special day for [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag], who etched his second consecutive double-double by scoring 30 points and pulling down 17 rebounds in the win. It was the first time since last season’s game vs. Virginia Tech that Broome scored at least 30 points in a game. His 17 rebounds were also the most in a game since he recorded 18 rebounds in Auburn’s win over Georgia on Feb. 1, 2023.

Outside of Broome, all four remaining starters reached double-figures in points. Denver Jones tallied 13 points while [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag], [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag], and [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag] scored 12 points each. Off the bench, [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag] scored eight points while grabbing five rebounds. Freshman [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag] scored seven points in 20 minutes of action while posting five assists.

Re-live the best moments of Auburn’s 102-69 win over North Alabama on Monday by checking out the best images from the game.

Auburn takes down FAU in final tune up before season

The Tigers thrashed a 2022 Final Four team in its final preseason tune-up over the weekend.

The Auburn Tigers finished off an undefeated preseason exhibition run with a 102-70 thrashing of the Florida Atlantic Owls on Friday at Neville Arena in Auburn.

FAU, who reached the Final Four two seasons ago before receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament last season, is not expected to contend for another postseason spot this year after head coach Dusty May departed for Michigan in the offseason.

Even with May, and stars such as Johnell Davis, who is now an Arkansas Razorback, no longer with the Owls, the lopsided victory was still an important and impressive result for a Tigers team hoping to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2019 this season. Superstar forward [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] led the way for [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]’s squad, chipping in 15 points and nine rebounds while stuffing the stat sheet with four blocks and a pair of steals as well.

The backcourt quartet of [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag] (13 points), [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] (11 points), [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag] (12 points), and [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag] (15 points) supplied just over half of the Tigers points in the contest, further cementing the idea that [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] may possess the deepest and most talented composite of guards since he took over as the Tigers head coach.

With the offensive firepower supplied by the backcourt and Broome, forward [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] is expected to take a facilitator role in Bruce Pearl’s offense. The senior displayed that fully in the exhibition, finishing with a team-high six assists to go along with his 2 steals and block. Perhaps most impressively, the second-year Tiger turned the ball over just once.

Six of the ten Tigers that saw at least 10 minutes of action in Friday’s exhibition scored double-digit points, while [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag] (seven points) and [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag] (six points) added a combined 12 rebounds. Bruce Pearl has made it a point to display extremely deep and talented rotations during his last few seasons on the Plains, and this iteration of the Tigers may be the most talented group he’s compiled during his tenure.

The No. 11 ranked Tigers will look to prove that sentiment when the regular season tips off on November 6 against perennial American East powerhouse Vermont. Auburn will be put to the test right away following the home opener, as the Tigers have a date with No. 4 ranked Houston in Birmingham on November 9.

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Chad Baker-Mazara named to ‘Julis Erving Award’ Watch List

Baker-Mazara is one of 20 small forwards on the preseason watch list.

Auburn forward Chad Baker-Mazara has been named to the ‘Julis Erving Award’ watch list ahead of the 2024-2025 season. The award, which recognizes the best small forward in college basketball, has never been won by a Tiger.

The committee named 20 college basketball small forwards to its preseason watch list on Wednesday. Baker-Mazara, along with Texas forward Arthur Kaluma, Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell, and Kentucky graduate transfer Jaxson Robinson, make up the four players representing the SEC on the watch list. Duke freshman phenom and likely first overall NBA Draftee Cooper Flagg was also tabbed in the exclusive list of 20 players.

Now a senior, Baker-Mazara is coming off a terrific opening season on the Plains. The 24-year-old was one of three Tigers to average double-digit points (10.0), and he finished among the team leaders in assists, blocks, and steals. Baker-Mazara’s 1.5 blocks and steals per game was second on the team, behind only superstar Johni Broome.

The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native is primed for an even bigger role in head coach Bruce Pearl’s rotation this season. With Auburn’s second leading scorer from a year ago, Jaylin Williams, now fighting for a roster spot in the NBA, Baker-Mazara should see an increased role on the offensive end of the floor. If he can continue filling the stat-sheet while turning those new opportunities into buckets, the senior should finish among the finalists for the ‘Julis Erving Award’.

Baker-Mazara will surely have bigger things on his mind when the Tigers open up the season, especially after his junior year ended prematurely due to an NCAA Tournament ejection. Auburn’s quest to make a deep run into March begins on Wednesday, November 6 at Neville Arena against Vermont.

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Broome and Baker-Mazara earn preseason All-SEC honors

Expect Broome and Baker-Mazara to have big seasons in 2024-25!

The 2024-2025 college basketball season is quickly approaching as media days get underway for many conferences and preseason polls make their debut. The nation is also getting a look at what players will be worth keeping an eye on this season, which Auburn has a couple of.

[autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] both earned preseason All-SEC honors this year, with Broome being named to the First Team and Baker-Mazara to the Third Team. Broome was also nearly tabbed as the preseason SEC Player of the Year, but was edged out by Mark Sears of Alabama.

Both players had tremendous seasons last year and look to do more of the same on the court in just a matter of weeks.

Broome was far and away the Tigers’ leading scorer last year with 576 points, averaging 24.8 points per game. He also was one of the team’s most reliable shooters, converting 54.8% of his shots from the field. He shot 35.4% from distance, but also had his struggles from the free throw line, where he posted a 61.5% success rate.

Broome was also electric on the defensive side of the ball, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game to go with his 31 steals and 78 blocks.

To compliment his SEC Tournament MVP trophy from last year, Broome was also named to the All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team for his stellar performance.

Baker-Mazara also completed his first year on the Plains with some big production numbers. He was third on the team in scoring, posting 350 points on the year while shooting 45.2% from the field. He excelled behind the arc though, shooting 41.8% on the year, which tied as the team’s best percentage with [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag].

Baker-Mazara also made plays all over the floor, racking up 77 assists on the year, while forcing 36 steals and 17 blocks on defense to cause disruption.

His play in the SEC Tournament earned him a spot on the SEC-All Tournament Team, something he looks to improve on and earn again in his senior season.

Auburn takes the court for the very first time this season on Nov. 1 when it plays FAU in a charity exhibition game at Neville Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.

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Dick Vitale places Auburn at No. 10 in ‘Sweet 16’ Rankings ahead of next season

Five SEC programs join Auburn in Vitale’s preseason rankings.

Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale released his annual “Sweet 16” college basketball rankings on Thursday afternoon.

While the 85-year-old’s rankings are nothing more than his personal list, he certainly has been following the sport long enough that his preference carries some legitimacy.

Five SEC programs landed in Vitale’s “Sweet 16”, with the Alabama Crimson Tide leading the pack all the way up at number two, behind only Kansas and one spot ahead of back-to-back champion Uconn. The only other SEC team to land in the top 10 was Auburn, as the Tigers landed at the 10 spot, ahead of Arkansas (13), Texas A&M (14), and Kentucky (15).

Auburn’s spot in Vitale’s top 10 is certainly warranted after [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]’s squad won the SEC Tournament after finishing near the top of the conference a year ago.

The Tigers bring back last season’s leading scorer in Johni Broome as well as key pieces like [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Dylan Cardwell[/autotag], [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag], and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag]. The returning cast of players pairs with newly acquired transfers [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag], [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag], and [autotag]Miles Kelly[/autotag] to create not only one of the more talented rosters in the SEC, but in the country as well.

Even with the abundance of offensive and defensive ammunition, the Tigers are no lock to have the same success they had a year ago. Vitale’s praise and a likely top 15 spot in the preseason polls is nice are nice accolades, but winning games in a grueling SEC is never an easy task.

We’ll see if the Tigers can live up to the preseason hype when they open the season in November.

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Bruce Pearl shares thoughts on Aden Holloway’s transfer to Alabama

Pearl finally discusses Holloway’s move to Tuscaloosa two months after the announcement.

It has been two months since former Auburn guard [autotag]Aden Holloway[/autotag] made a surprising move by transferring to arch-rival Alabama following his freshman season on the Plains.

Now, [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] is sharing his thoughts on the move.

The Auburn head man spoke with reporters this week about an array of topics, including Holloway’s transfer to Alabama. Pearl did not share his personal thoughts on the move, but instead focused on what the move could mean for the rivalry.

“It would be like if Auburn’s quarterback went to play quarterback for Alabama,” Pearl said. “What do you think that would do for the Iron Bowl? It would make it more interesting and continue to add to the rivalry.”

Holloway’s debut season in Auburn did not go as planned, as he managed to shoot 31% from the field while adding 7.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game despite signing with Auburn as a key building block for its offense.

Following his move to Alabama, Holloway took a subtle shot at Pearl by claiming that he changed the offense during the season, causing a dip in production.

“At Auburn, I kind of got sold a dream by my coach (Bruce Pearl),” Holloway said. “The season started out good for me individually and as a team, and then he kind of went in a different direction (with) the offense.”

It will be interesting to see how Holloway develops under Nate Oates’ watch at Alabama as the Crimson Tide returns star guard Mark Sears for next season, and added five-star guard Labaron Philon from the high school ranks. As for Auburn, the Tigers welcome five-star guard [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag] to the Plains as a true freshman and former Furman star [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] to its guard rotation. Expect [autotag]Chaney Johnson[/autotag] and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] to see a larger role this season as well.

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Could Auburn’s 2024-25 nonconference slate be its toughest yet?

After suffering an early NCAA Tournament exit, Auburn is set to enhance its nonconference schedule for next season.

Auburn basketball played the 10th toughest schedule in the SEC last season. As a partial result, the Tigers exited the NCAA Tournament earlier than expected with a first-round loss to Yale.

Head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] looks to put his team in a better position to win more meaningful games next season by piecing together what could be the Tigers’ toughest nonconference schedule in recent memory.

Before Monday’s Bruce Pearl Fore the Children Golf Classic at Willow Point Golf and Country Club in Alexander City, Pearl met with the media to discuss several topics including scheduling. Pearl says that Auburn fans can expect his team to play the toughest nonconference schedule of his 11-year Auburn tenure.

“We’re going to play a non-conference schedule, some of it has been released and some of it you guys have heard about, but that hasn’t been released yet…we’re going to have the toughest non-conference schedule we’ve ever had,” Pearl said Monday.

Auburn is scheduled to play in the Maui Invitational early next season which includes powers such as North Carolina, UConn, and Iowa State. Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live says that Auburn could also play Purdue, Houston, and NC State in neutral site action. Mixing those opponents in with an ACC foe as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge could provide Auburn with a solid resume heading into a revamped SEC schedule that includes newcomers Oklahoma and Texas.

Auburn finished the 2023-24 season with the No. 60 overall toughest schedule according to KenPom, which ranked No. 10 in the SEC. The Tigers played several power programs such as Notre Dame, Indiana, Virginia Tech, and USC in nonconference play last season. However, those four teams combined to build a 66-67 record with neither program finishing higher than No. 58 in the KenPom, nor providing Auburn with a quad 1 win.

The Tigers will look to build on its 2023-24 success by returning several notable players including [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag], [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag], and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] as well as newcomers [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag], [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag], and [autotag]Ja’Heim Hudson[/autotag].

UTSA Transfer Jordan Ivy-Curry lists Auburn in his final three

The senior guard is coming off a superb season for the Roadrunners by averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

Former UTSA guard [autotag]Jordan Ivy-Curry[/autotag] has listed Auburn as one of the three final programs he’ll be looking to transfer to next college basketball season. The Tigers join ACC program Wake Forest and recent Big 12 addition UCF as the three finalists on Ivy-Curry’s list. He is set to visit all three schools this week, with his trip to the Plains being the final stop on Thursday.

The senior guard is coming off a superb season for the Roadrunners averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. The offensive output was by far the best of his four-year college career, which started at UTSA before the La Marque, TX native took a one-year pit stop to play for Pacific.

Ivy-Curry was set to join the Virginia Tech Hokies shortly after he entered the transfer portal but decided to re-open his recruitment, giving Auburn a chance to snag another mid-major guard after missing out on Duke Miles to Oklahoma late last month.

If [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] and the Tiger staff can land the electrifying guard, he would provide a nice complimentary piece to the newly acquired [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] and incumbent [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag]. We’ll see if he decides his future after his visits conclude later this week.

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High Point transfer guard Duke Miles says Auburn ‘felt like home’ after recent visit

The Montgomery native is looking for a new home fresh off a magnificent junior season for the High Point Panthers.

After snagging Furman guard [autotag]JP Pegues[/autotag] from the transfer portal a few weeks ago, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is looking to bring another highly-touted mid-major guard to the Plains.

Former High Point guard [autotag]Duke Miles[/autotag] is looking for a new home fresh off a magnificent junior season for the Panthers in which he averaged 17.5 points, and 3.6 assists on an impressive 52.8% from the field. The Montgomery, Alabama native recently visited Auburn and left with glowing reviews, saying the Loveliest Village on the Plains “felt like home.”

Miles seems ready to suit up in the orange and blue next season, stating it’s been a lifelong dream to play at Auburn. If it were mainly up to him the 6-foot-2 guard may have already committed to Auburn. However, Miles is not ready to make a final decision until consulting with his mom, who was absent from his recent visit. “My mom wasn’t here… That’s the only thing holding it up,” said the talented guard.

If the junior does join Auburn’s roster for next season, [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]’s 2024-25 guard rotation will instantly be among the best in the SEC and possibly the country. Along with the aforementioned Pegues, Tiger star [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] and sharpshooter [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag] are due for big roles on next year’s squad. A commitment from Miles would give coach Pearl two true point guards with him and Pegues, allowing Jones and Baker-Mazara to play more of the “off-ball playmaker” roles they thrive in.

What’s Good Auburn 🤷🏽‍♂️ #Notcommitted pic.twitter.com/3lvn6FBkQs

— Duke (@Dukemiles10) May 1, 2024

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Nate Oats weighs in on Chad Baker-Mazara’s ejection

Baker-Mazara’s ejection in Friday’s loss to Yale has created conversation. How does Oats feel about the matter?

No. 4 seed Auburn was the victim of a typical March Madness upset on Friday by losing to No. 13 Yale in the round of 64.

Outside of the loss, the main headline from the game was the ejection of guard [autotag]Chad Baker-Mazara[/autotag] just three minutes into the game. In a supposed move of retaliation, Baker-Mazara threw an elbow at Yale’s August Mahoney with 16:59 remaining in the first half. After review, the call was deemed a flagrant 2 foul, which resulted in an ejection.

The ejection led to a discussion among college basketball fans and coaches alike. Did the officials make the right call? How important is it for players to maintain composure during important games? Head coaches have been asked those questions this weekend, including Alabama head coach Nate Oats.

Ahead of Sunday’s game between No. 4 seed Alabama and No. 12 seed Grand Canyon, Oats was asked about Baker-Mazara’s ejection. Oats responded by saying how detrimental the call was to Auburn, and even offered advice to Baker-Mazara and every college basketball player that remains in the tournament.

“You feel for the rest of the rest of the Auburn team and Coach Pearl because I’m sure that they all didn’t (want) that,” Oats said. “Shoot, (Baker-Mazara) was a good player for them. But you gotta make better decisions when the season’s on the line.”

The game of basketball can be physical and emotional for players. However, when it comes to the NCAA Tournament, winning needs to take top priority says Oats.

“It doesn’t matter how much trash is talked, how much dirty play you feel is being done to you, we’re trying to win on the scoreboard,” Oats said. “We’re not trying to win a rock fight, we’re not trying to win a backyard brawl. That has nothing to do with the scoreboard. If we’re trying to win the game of basketball on the scoreboard, anything that has anything to do with giving the opponent an advantage — two free throws, ejection — it’s not winning the game of basketball. I don’t care to win a fight, a brawl, a trash talking contest. None of that.”

Oats has never been one to shy away from pot stirring, especially when it comes to Auburn. Following Yale’s win over Auburn, he was seen entering Yale’s locker room. He responded to the allegations of “congratulating Yale for beating Auburn” by saying that he was congratulating Yale head coach James Jones personally. He also took a shot at Auburn alum Charles Barkley’s busted bracket by saying “Of course Barkley’s bracket is busted, he’s from Auburn.”