Illinois Basketball: Illini showing interest in former big man target

It looks like the Illinois basketball team might be back in the running for a player they were originally pursuing a couple of years ago.

Illinois is in need of some size in and around the paint. Kofi Cockburn will not be with the program too much longer, so another option to replace Kofi would be optimal. That player could be Bayron Matos.

A 6-foot-9, 215-pound freshman, Matos currently attends New Mexico but has recently entered his name into the transfer portal. This isn’t the first time you have heard the name, though. Illinois offered Matos when he was coming out of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy just two years ago. So, there is already a connection there with the coaching staff.

Matos’ numbers as a freshman aren’t eye-popping by any means. He averaged 18.9 minutes per game for the Lobos and put up 6 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. He isn’t a three-point shooter, as Matos took zero three-pointers on the season, but he did make his field goals at a clip of 52.6-percent.

How would Matos help the Illinois basketball program?

First off, I believe there is a strong possibility Illinois ends up landing Matos. Not only were we after him coming out of high school, but the Illini also just received a commitment from Reggie Bass. Bass is coming out of Hamilton Heights as well. There is a connection there.

With the transfer rules right now, who knows if the kid would have to sit out a year or not. But I am going to assume Matos can’t play next season and will have to sit out. So, in 2022-23, Matos would be a good option for the Illini.

Matos could come in and be an option to replace Kofi Cockburn, if he doesn’t depart after this season. I see Matos being a really athletic No. 5 for the Illini. His game is purely inside and within seven or eight feet of the basket. He has nice touch on his hook, and he can get to the rim.

I do have a few concerns, one being his free throw shooting. Matos was only 39.2-percent from the charity stripe this past season, which is a massive worry for me. That needs to improve dramatically.

Overall, I believe Matos wouldn’t be a bad option for the Illini. I don’t see him as a starter from day one, but he could come in and be a primary backup. A starter spot could be something that develops if his game develops. I don’t mind Illinois exploring the possibility of bringing in Matos, though.