Big Ten Basketball: Top impact transfer for each team for 2022-23 season
The transfer portal has become like free agency for the NCAA Basketball world over the past few seasons. A way for teams to get better with players with college experience under their belt already. With a new season approaching and time to assess, here’s a look at the top transfer portal acquisition for each team in Big Ten basketball as the 2022-23 season approaches.
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan State did not have any additions from the transfer portal
Matthew Mayer, 6’9 Forward, Illinois Fighting Illini
Matthew Mayer surprised many when he jumped into the transfer portal and it was an even bigger surprise, to say the least when the former National Champion with Baylor decided to join the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten. After appearing as a full-time starter with the Baylor Bears in 2021-22, Mayer has decided to use his extra year of eligibility to make one last run with Illinois.
He started in all 33 games for Baylor this past season, averaging 9.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 1.2 spg while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from behind the arc as their “third option” on the offensive end of the floor.
If anything, Mayer’s addition to the Fighting Illini rotation definitely gives them a dual-forward to compete for minutes on the wing. He’s an active threat on both ends that can knock down shots on the perimeter and meet opponents at the rim for blocks with his frame and athleticism.
At 6'9, Matthew Mayer (@MatthewMayer24) has a trail mix type-bag of offensive skills. Can create off-the-bounce, shoot it and handle it. 17-points today in a high-impact performance for @BaylorMBB, which included an impressive PnR sequence ending in a precise lob to Mark Vital. pic.twitter.com/bpgdh22Boa
— League Him (@League_Him) March 21, 2021
Mayer generated a defensive rating of 89.1 when on the floor, which ranked first in the Big 12 this past season. His presence on the defensive end of the floor is something that the Fighting Illini can use to their advantage in the frontcourt.
With a ton of departures to the NBA and the transfer portal, things will look a lot different for Illinois in 2022-23 especially with some top prospects in the 2022 class joining their ranks in Skyy Clark, Ty Rodgers and Jayden Epps. Mayer should be a breakout name to watch next season with this group.