Friday’s portal action featured headline commitments and returnees that could change the landscape of college basketball for the 2022-2023 season. Baylor transfer and 2021 National Champion Matthew Mayer announced his new home, while Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter is staying in the Big 12 to continue his career. The Portal Report has the news and analysis from today’s transfer portal movement.
Commitments
One of the most coveted transfers in the cycle, Matthew Mayer announced his commitment to Illinois on Friday. The 6-foot-9 senior spent four seasons under Scott Drew at Baylor, entering the starting lineup this past season. Mayer recorded career-highs in points and assists, averaging 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds for the Bears. Mayer was a key contributor for Baylor during their 2021 National Championship run. In 30 games off the bench, the then junior tallied 8.1 points, connecting on 48.9 percent of shots from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range.
After one season in Aimes, Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter will stay in the Big 12 and transfer to Texas. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year burst onto the scene for the Cyclones, tallying 11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Racine, WI native broke the Iowa State freshman record for assists and steals with 172 and 72, respectively. Hunter will provide an instant impact in the Longhorns’ backcourt and look to have another successful season in the Big 12.
Returnees
Wyoming’s Hunter Maldonado is headed back to Laramie to use his extra year of eligibility after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. The First Team All-Mountain West selection had a monster season for the Cowboys, pouring in 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, while connecting on 49.5 percent of his shots from the field. Heading into his final season of college basketball, Maldonado is the all-time leader at Wyoming in assists and ranks ninth in scoring with over 1,700 points.
NBA Draft
Memphis’ Josh Minott will pursue a professional career after entering both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal. Minott announced his intentions to stay in the NBA Draft on Friday after one season under Penny Hardaway. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds on 52.2 percent shooting for the Tigers.
