Former Baylor guard/forward Matthew Mayer announced on Friday evening via Instagram that he will commit to Brad Underwood and Illinois for his fifth year of eligibility.

The 6-foot-9-inches, 216-pound former Baylor Bear had originally declared for the NBA draft, attending the combine despite limitations due to injury.

He brings increased size and athleticism to Champaign-Urbana after choosing Illinois over Memphis, North Carolina and Texas Tech as competitors in his final four.

While at Baylor, he contributed to Baylor’s national title run as a junior, ranking fifth on the team with 8.1 points per game and made 111 three-pointers during his four years. His senior year saw him average 9.8 points per game and five rebounds in 33 starts.

Mayer continues Underwood’s offseason of rebuilding after he lost many players to the transfer portal and eligibility. The 2022–2023 Illinois basketball season continues to shape up into a whole new look for the team as they continue to look for ways to travel deeper into March after two back-to-back second-round exits in the tournament.

Underwood has retooled the team with transfers of his own. Center Dain Dainja, also from Baylor, and Terrence Shannon Jr., from Texas Tech, both transferred this offseason. Illinois also will welcome a group of talented freshman class who is looking to build the Illinois program such as Skyy Clark, Ty Rodgers, Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris. Right now, Underwood’s projected starting five looks brand new in every position.

@JonathanAlday7

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