Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara Named Finalist for Julius Erving Award
As the college basketball season nears its conclusion, recognition is beginning to roll in for top players, including Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara.
The Tigers’ starting wing and second-leading scorer was announced as a finalist for the prestigious Julius Erving Award on Wednesday. This honor is given annually to the nation’s best small forward. Baker-Mazara is competing for the award alongside Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson, and St. John’s RJ Luis Jr.
Baker-Mazara has been a key contributor for Auburn this season, averaging 13.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 39.3% from beyond the arc. His recent performances have been even more noteworthy, as he has averaged 19.6 points over the Tigers’ last three games, including 22-point outings in victories over Ole Miss and Kentucky.
In addition to his offensive production, Baker-Mazara has also been a standout on the defensive end. According to KenPom, he leads Auburn in steal percentage, making him one of the team’s most effective defenders.
The Julius Erving Award is presented by the National Basketball Hall of Fame, with the winner selected by a committee consisting of media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Fame representatives.
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