Chad Baker-Mazara recalls reaction to Bruce Pearl retirement: 'I was getting hints and pieces'

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Last year, as Auburn made a run to the Final Four, Chad Baker-Mazara played a crucial role. He led the Tigers in steals during his first season with the program and is now gearing up for his first year at USC.

His former coach, meanwhile, is also preparing for his next chapter. Bruce Pearl announced his retirement last month, paving the way for his son Steven to take over on The Plains.

Speaking with On3 at Big Ten Men’s Basketball Media Day on Thursday, Baker-Mazara said he picked up on some signs Pearl was at least considering stepping away. However, he couldn’t say for sure it was happening when the news came down on Sept. 22.

“Yes and no, I would say,” Baker-Mazara said when asked whether he had an idea Pearl would retire. “Because the way he was talking to me at the end of the year, he was fading away. But at the same time, I couldn’t say, ‘Yeah, I knew,’ because I didn’t.

“But the way he was talking to me, I was getting hints and pieces about, I don’t know if he’s fully coming back or not. It was kind of iffy.”

Pearl recruited Baker-Mazara out of Northwest Florida State College, and he made an immediate impact. He led Auburn with 2.1 steals per game while averaging 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists as the Tigers rattled off a run to the Final Four.

So when news broke that the longtime coach was stepping away, Baker-Mazara said he felt emotional because of the relationship they had. Add in Pearl’s accomplishments as a coach, and there are some big shoes to fill.

“A little upset because the basketball world lost a legend,” Baker-Mazara said of his reaction to the news. “He’s a guy who changed my life. Gave me an opportunity when I was in junior college, and even though I’m not there this year, I’m going to forever be grateful for him because he believed in me when nobody did.

“At the end of the day, he did his thing at Auburn. Brought a team that was one of the worst teams in the SEC to, now, a powerhouse in college basketball. It’s sad to see a legend go.”

Even after transferring, Chad Baker-Mazara said he still talks to Bruce Pearl now and again. The relationship is still strong because they both understood why Baker-Mazara made his decision.

“Every now and then, he’ll shoot me a text,” Baker-Mazara said. “It’s no hard feeling between me and Bruce at all. We both understand I had to do what’s best for me and my family. He understood that very well, and that’s why I respect him so much because obviously, he wanted me to be part of the family. But he thought what I did was best for me and my family, then he was happy with it.”