Auburn basketball is riding high this season with an impressive 11-1 record heading into its final non-conference matchup against Monmouth. Two pivotal contributors to the Tigers’ success are senior guards Chad Baker-Mazara and Denver Jones, both of whom have made significant impacts on the court. Averaging over 10 points per game and boasting field goal percentages above 45%, their leadership has been instrumental for head coach Bruce Pearl’s squad.
However, with the 2024-25 season slated to be their last due to eligibility limitations, a new NCAA ruling has raised the possibility of an unexpected twist. The rule grants student-athletes with junior college (JUCO) backgrounds an additional year of eligibility, and Pearl is exploring its implications for his team.
“We’re working with the SEC office to determine how this rule applies to our players,” Pearl explained on Friday. “Chad and Denver are in their final year of eligibility, but given their time in junior college, there’s a chance they might qualify for another season. We’re looking into it.”
Baker-Mazara joined Auburn after a standout season at Northwest Florida Community College, where he averaged 15.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His JUCO tenure followed stints at Duquesne and San Diego State. Similarly, Jones transferred to Auburn from FIU after two successful seasons. Before his time in Miami, Jones excelled at Garden City Community College, where he was named conference freshman of the year, averaging 19.1 points per game.
Another player who could benefit from the ruling is Addarin Scott. The sophomore transferred to Auburn from Navarro College and has yet to see significant playing time this season. Pearl suggested Scott could potentially gain two additional years of eligibility, a decision that will also be reviewed by SEC officials.
While Baker-Mazara and Jones have already left an indelible mark on Auburn basketball, the possibility of extending their collegiate careers adds intrigue to the Tigers’ future. As Auburn prepares for a grueling SEC schedule, Pearl remains optimistic about the opportunities this ruling may provide, both for his current roster and the program’s sustained success.
Auburn fans will undoubtedly keep a close watch as these discussions unfold, eager to see how the ruling impacts the team’s trajectory.
