CHAMPAIGN — Matthew Mayer’s reinstatement, the process that landed him in Illinois for the 2022-23 season, wasn’t just a question of the best player available.
Not that the Baylor transfer wouldn’t qualify. Mayer’s decision to switch in early May immediately brought the 6-foot-9, 225-pound winger into the discussion as one of the top players on the portal. Withdrawing the NBA draft before the June 1 deadline only increased efforts to land what many programs clearly viewed as difference makers.
Illinois was no different in this regard. A retooled roster with an emphasis on tall guards and versatile wings made Mayer a clear fit. The same was true of everything Illinois coach Brad Underwood knew about him.
Underwood offered Mayer a scholarship a month into his tenure at the state of Oklahoma and entered a recruitment battle led by Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor. The four-star recruit from Austin, Texas Westlake ticked an important box for Underwood back then.
“It starts with winning,” Underwood said. “His team won in high school. He played on great teams. He was surrounded by great talent all his life.”
That only continued at Baylor. The Bears went 101-27 in his four seasons at Waco, Texas, shared the Big 12 title in 2021-22 and won it straight away in 2020-21 before moving on to a national championship.
The opportunity to fit a player of this bloodline and caliber – with an idea of how to hone an already coveted skill – into a young but talented roster made too much sense for Underwood and company.
However, the roots of Mayer’s addition go back to the thread that connects nearly all of the illini.
Winning matters.
“It’s always been a big role,” Underwood said. “Maybe last year Alfonso (Plummer) was a bit of the middle tune that wasn’t from a successful program, but we did quite a deep dive into the character and his work ethic. Look at all four freshmen and the success they’ve had. One of the things you can usually count on with our recruitment is that they are winners and come from winning programs. We’re not going to take people who aren’t… for the most part.”
Mayer and colleague Terrence Shannon Jr. share more than just a Big 12 background. Shannon was part of two NCAA tournament teams in three years with the Red Raiders, including last season’s Sweet 16 roster. Of course, Baylor hit the pinnacle of the college basketball world with his 2021-22 national title.
It’s a level of experience that no one else on the Illinois roster can match.
“Winning is very contagious and there are lessons to be learned from that,” Underwood said. “They can pass that on to us coaches to hear their stories and of course the young players. That’s a big reason we wanted them and I hope it helps us continue to grow and get where we want to be.”
Mayer’s versatility is another reason Illinois has pursued him in the portal. There are scenarios where the 6-9 Mayer could play and guard any position on the court. Mayer’s approach to the game is also in line with the Underwood ideal.
“He has a bravery,” Underwood said. “He has a swag about him. He’s been a big-shot maker throughout his career. I’m excited. I think our playstyle – playing a little faster again – really suits him. I’m looking forward to having him in the herd and bringing him in here in a few weeks.”
Mayer wraps up a 2021-22 season at Baylor, where he averaged career bests with 9.8 points and five rebounds in a career-high 22.8 minutes per game. He was also less efficient in a larger role, with his overall field goal percentage dropping to 40.9 percent, due in large part to a significant drop in three-point shooting to 32.4 percent from 39.5 percent the year before.
Underwood believes Mayer can match his efficiency from Baylor’s 2020-21 title run with a higher level of production.
“Becoming this guy who’s a very consistent – 40 percent or better – three-point shooter,” Underwood sees as possible for Mayer. “I think we have an opportunity to give him these looks. I think that maybe he’s a focal point for what we want to do at this end and will help him grow at this end as well.
“I think our style of play suits him. I think from a confidence standpoint, he can grow. He’s busy. He has big swag and is not afraid of anything. He’s very talented. I think we will put him in a situation where he has the opportunity to be a great player. … Get out and run and play with the pace and use its versatility, I think we’re going to use all of that.”
Scott Richey is a reporter covering college basketball for The News-Gazette. His email address is [email protected] and you can follow him on Twitter (@srrichey).