In a whirlwind of college basketball maneuvers, Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara and Memphis standout PJ Haggerty have entered the transfer portal, shaking up the landscape as the deadline looms. These moves position them as two of the most sought-after talents available.
Baker-Mazara, a dynamic 25-year-old, was a cornerstone for the Tigers, starting 34 games and emerging as their second-leading scorer with an average of 12.3 points during their charge to the Final Four. Despite facing eligibility constraints, a waiver extends his collegiate tenure into the 2025-26 season.
His basketball journey has been notable: after two seasons at Auburn, preceded by a year at Northwest Florida State, Baker-Mazara made his early mark at San Diego State and Duquesne, where a COVID-related waiver preserved his eligibility status.
Meanwhile, Auburn faces a major rebuild. With All-American Johni Broome and others exhausting their eligibility, Coach Bruce Pearl is witnessing a complete turnover from last season's top-seeded roster in the NCAA tournament.
Adding further intrigue, PJ Haggerty — the nation's third-leading scorer last season — averaged a stellar 21.7 points along with contributions in rebounds and steals, propelling Memphis into the NCAA hunt. Haggerty's path has been equally peripatetic, marking his fourth program in as many years following stops at TCU and Tulsa.
While Auburn and Memphis recalibrate, USC has bolstered its ranks with the addition of Jacob Cofie from Virginia. After an impactful freshman campaign where he started half of the games, Cofie brings solid averages in points, rebounds, and field goal efficiency to the Trojans as their inaugural portal signee this season.
With these transfers, the ever-evolving scenario sets the stage for another captivating college basketball season on the horizon.
