Big 12 Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

Baylor – Matthew Mayer

It remains to be seen exactly who Baylor will have on their roster as they’re awaiting NBA Draft decisions from Jared Butler and MaCio Teague but, even if both return, Matthew Mayer should still see a sizable role for the Bears thanks to his offensive potential.

A 6-9 guard with a head of hair that would make Adam Morrison jealous, Mayer was used mostly as a part-time shooter during his first two seasons in Waco, averaging just under 12 minutes per game. But he’s also an underrated playmaker (ranked third on the team in assist rate) and showed flashes of a more expansive offensive game, like when he scored 10 points in 11 minutes against Villanova, 19 points in 20 minutes against Kansas State, or when he had 13 points and eight rebounds against West Virginia.

That performance was his best of the season and included this highlight that showcases his quickness, ball-handling, and athleticism.

Mayer does struggle with decision-making and consistency on both ends, but it’s easy to see the scoring potential he has. He’ll see more playing time and should see his production increase substantially with those increased opportunities, too.