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Baylor Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears coaches. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears coaches. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Matthew Mayer – Austin, TX

Forward | 6-foot-9 | 200 lbs | No. 93 overall

The top-rated recruit in this class, Matthew Mayer has all the makings of an excellent frontcourt option for Baylor. Thanks to several factors, Mayer projects as a combo forward at the college level. In addition to bringing the skill set of small forward to the table, Mayer has plenty of size (6-foot-9) to function as a small-ball power forward as well in certain lineups. With his abilities to score both inside and out as well as defend multiple positions, he will be a versatile college player on both ends of the floor.

While playing on the Nike EYBL circuit this past spring/summer, Mayer flashed his all-around play. In total, he competed in 19 games and posted solid numbers of 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on shooting slashes of .451/.346/.743. While these efficiency numbers might not seem elite, they are more than pedestrian overall. Assuming growth as a player over the last year, it is clear why Mayer is a top-100 recruit who should play an immediately vital role for Baylor.

The Bears clearly made 3-point shooting a priority this offseason with several of their additions. With a stretch forward on the roster in Mayer in addition to a couple of other snipers, Baylor now has plenty of perimeter threats to be dangerous from beyond the arc. Although he was not the only solution to this problem, his versatility in a small-ball situation could make for an excellent shooting lineup.

Next. Preseason 2018-19 top-25. dark

With these players coming in, Baylor basketball could potentially make a move towards the top of the Big 12 this season. Head coach Scott Drew has an underrated 2018-19 roster and the Bears could easily be in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid. Baylor had made the Big Dance in four consecutive seasons prior to missing the past year and hopefully they can get back on track this time around.

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