Official: Louisville Basketball Addresses Biggest Offseason Need by Landing 4-Star Transfer

The Louisville Cardinals have made a major statement this offseason by securing a commitment from one of the top names in the transfer portal. Former Auburn standout Chad Baker-Mazara has officially committed to the Cardinals, immediately solving one of the team’s biggest concerns heading into the new season: replacing the production lost with the departure of James Scott.

Baker-Mazara was the Cardinals’ top target throughout the transfer process. The highly-coveted 4-star transfer had established strong connections with Louisville players and staff even before his commitment. Most notably, he shares a close relationship with Kasean Pryor, another recent addition to the Cardinals’ roster. The two were even spotted together in the Bahamas just a couple of weeks ago, fueling speculation that Baker-Mazara might be leaning toward joining Louisville.

After an impressive season at Auburn, Baker-Mazara’s stock rose considerably. The 6-foot-7, 180-pound small forward led the Tigers in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game while playing a key role in Auburn’s thrilling run to the Final Four. His efficient shooting numbers stood out as well—Baker-Mazara connected on 44.8 percent of his shots from the field and 38.1 percent from beyond the arc, proving himself as a consistent offensive threat. His combination of size, shooting touch, and scoring instincts made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the portal.

While listed primarily as a small forward, Baker-Mazara is expected to see significant minutes at the power forward position for Louisville. The Cardinals are already well-stocked at the wing, with Ryan Conwell, J’Vonne Hadley, and Khani Rooths all projected to play major roles at small forward. By shifting Baker-Mazara to the four spot, Louisville will maximize its versatility and athleticism across the board.

His addition bolsters what is shaping up to be one of the deepest rosters in college basketball. With Scott’s departure, there had been concerns about the Cardinals’ depth, but the arrival of Baker-Mazara eases those fears considerably. As things stand, Louisville has a 10-man rotation filled with size, experience, and versatility—an advantage few teams in the nation can match.

Baker-Mazara brings more than just scoring to the table. Over the course of last season, he also averaged 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, showing he can contribute across multiple areas of the game. His defensive instincts and ability to create for others will fit well into Louisville’s system, which emphasizes aggressive defense and unselfish play on offense.

The Cardinals needed an impact player who could step in and deliver immediately, and Baker-Mazara checks all the boxes. His experience playing in high-pressure situations, particularly during Auburn’s Final Four run, will bring a much-needed veteran presence to a Louisville team looking to make a deep postseason push of its own.

In short, Louisville not only addressed its biggest need but also landed a player who elevates the entire ceiling of the roster. Chad Baker-Mazara’s commitment is a massive win for the Cardinals and could end up being one of the most important moves of the entire college basketball offseason.

As the new season approaches, expectations in Louisville will be sky-high—and for good reason. With a roster now loaded with talent, depth, and proven winners, the Cardinals are poised to make serious noise on the national stage once again.