Brad Underwood addresses Matthew Mayer's comments of internal issues
Brad Underwood had an interesting topic to address following Saturday’s game.
After Illinois dispatched of Alabama A&M, Matthew Mayer delivered an interesting postgame press conference. Mayer — who led Illinois with 21 points in the win — said there are some internal issues to work through for the Illini players and coaches.
Underwood responded to those comments during his own press conference but tried to downplay what Mayer said. The head coach said that every player is different and said there are “challenges” Mayer has to work with at a new location.
Mayer spent his first four seasons at Baylor before transferring in. Underwood also called on Mayer as a guy that this team at Illinois needs as a leader.
#illini Brad Underwood: Disagrees with Mayer about internal issues.
“Not every player is like. I think there are challenges he has to work through being some place different. Personally, I like what I saw [from him today].”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 18, 2022
#Illini Underwood on Matthew Mayer: He needs to be a guy who’s a leader. Even though it’s different here than where he’s been. He’s a guy who knows how to win.
— Derek Piper (@DPiper247) December 18, 2022
Underwood wrapped up his comments on the situation by admitting he liked what he saw out of Mayer on Saturday.
#illini Brad Underwood: “Whatever he thinks the issues are, I liked what I saw at the end of the game there.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 18, 2022
It will be interesting to see what becomes of these comments from Underwood and Mayer but at least the situation has popped up after a win and not a loss.
