Kentucky Contacts Chad Baker-Mazara, JUCO Sharpshooter

The college basketball transfer portal window is closed to new applicants, but John Calipari and the Kentucky men’s basketball program may be in the market for more additions to the 2023-24 roster.

Thursday afternoon Chad Baker-Mazara shared on social media that he spoke with coaches from the University of Kentucky.

A 6-foot-7 wing from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he previously played prep basketball stateside for Spire Academy. Since then he’s bounced around to three different schools in as many years.

His college basketball career began at Duquesne, where he started in 13 of 15 games for the Dukes. The following year he transferred to San Diego State, shot just shy of 48% from the field in conference play and was named Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year. His old SDSU teammate, Keshad Johnson, may announce a commitment to Kentucky this weekend.

Baker-Mazara did not stick in San Diego. Academic issues sent him to the JUCO ranks, where he thrived in one season. During Chad Baker-Mazara’s 2022-23 campaign for Northwest Florida State Community College, he averaged 15.2 points per game by knocking down 48.8% of his field goals and 46.9% of his three-point attempts.

Not too many 6-foot-7 athletes can shoot almost 50% from three-point land. That’s why Kentucky is not the only SEC school interested in his services.

He previously visited Texas A&M. On Wednesday he wrapped up an official visit to Auburn. Following the visit Chad Baker-Mazara shared with Auburn Live that he plans on announcing a decision “in the next couple of days.” Bruce Pearl appears to have dug his claws into the talented shooter, but a late conversation with the Kentucky coaching staff could throw a wrench into this recruitment.

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UPDATE: It did not throw a wrench into his recruitment. He committed to Auburn late Thursday night.

Let’s Go Tigers!!!💯 #committed pic.twitter.com/bwSuXkNN4d

— Chad Baker-Mazara (@ChadBaker2700) May 19, 2023