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Illinois Basketball: Illini transfer portal frontcourt wish list

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 10: Matthew Mayer #24 of the Baylor Bears drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at T-Mobile Center on March 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 10: Matthew Mayer #24 of the Baylor Bears drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at T-Mobile Center on March 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Mayer

Another intriguing option for Illinois to look at is Matthew Mayer. He isn’t a traditional frontcourt player but is someone who can shoot and has great length.

Mayer was a highly sought-after player coming out of Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. He was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 92 player in the class of 2018. Numerous schools were after Mayer, but he ended up picking Baylor as his eventual landing spot.

With the Bears, Mayer developed his shot through the four years in Waco. His best season was his junior year when he shot 39.5% from three-point range. That season, Mayer averaged 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 assists per game.

As a senior, Mayer would boost his numbers up to 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest, but his shooting numbers would drop down to 32.4% from three-point range.

I wouldn’t mind Illinois pursuing Mayer with one of their last few scholarships. Brad Underwood said he was going to likely leave some spots open on the team, but filling one of the open scholarships with Mayer is a good idea.

Mayer is currently trying out for the NBA and has his name in the NBA Draft, but he has also entered the transfer portal. If he decides to back out of the draft, look for Illinois to potentially be a player here.

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