Chad Baker-Mazara, the first pick in the 2026 newcomer draft, made his professional debut with the Gigantes de Carolina-Canóvanas in a semifinal series against the Vaqueros de Bayamón in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) Conference A. Despite his team being down 29-15, Baker-Mazara scored 7 points in the second quarter, helping to reduce the deficit to 34-29 by halftime. The Gigantes went on to win 78-69.
Baker-Mazara finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 11 minutes. He said, 'That's how I am' regarding his intense playing style, adding 'Let the fans be ready because this is not over.' Baker-Mazara, 26, was born in the Dominican Republic but has Puerto Rican roots through his father, Derrek Baker, who played in the league. He played college basketball at several universities, including USC, where he was the leading scorer before being separated from the program in March.
The Basketball Federation's Appeals Committee allowed him to join the Gigantes for the postseason after the team appealed a decision by tournament director Ricardo Carrillo.