Mazara’s unexpected exit from Auburn after a Final Four appearance has reignited the debate over NIL’s influence on college basketball. The former Tigers wing committed to USC for his final year of eligibility after entering the transfer portal.

Bashir committed to Auburn back in February, transferring to the Plains from Casper College, a junior college in Wyoming. The 6-foot-7 wing put up elite numbers during the 2024-2025 season, averaging 27.2 points, 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, doing so while shooting 41.4% from the field 36.8% from 3 and 87.7% from the free throw line.