Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Syracuse

3. Matthew Mayer is starting to win me over

Illinois was able to snag a couple of big-time transfers this past offseason. Terrence Shannon Jr. was the big fish Brad Underwood landed, but Matthew Mayer was also a good get for the program.

My expectations for Mayer entering the year were probably a little higher than they should have been. I was expecting something around 10 points per game, but he isn’t that for this program. I have adjusted the expectations a little bit, and now I am starting to come around on Mayer’s game.

Through the first few contests, Mayer struggled on the court. He was only averaging five points per game and was only 3-of-12 from three-point range. Mayer wasn’t doing the little things on the court either. I was kind of lost on what was going on with his game.

But Mayer is starting to play better as of late. Illinois doesn’t need him to be a scorer. He is kind of taking the same basic role as Da’Monte Williams did for the past couple of seasons.

On Tuesday night, Mayer continued to improve his game for the Illini. He ended the night with five points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Mayer is starting to do the little things to help this team win. He doesn’t have to knock down a ton of shots.

Mayer is starting to win me over. I think he fits in well with this team. The best part about his game is the fact that if Illinois does need a bucket, he has the ability to shoot the basketball from anywhere on the court.