Matthew Mayer expresses frustration, cites things Illinois needs 'to figure out internally'

Matthew Mayer is not happy, even after an Illinois win.

Mayer is in his 1st season for the Illini after 4 seasons playing for the Baylor Bears. Mayer’s 21-point performance on Saturday led the Illini to an easy 68-47 victory over Alabama A&M.

However, after the game, Mayer said the team has “a lot to figure out internally between the players and coaches,” perhaps hinting at locker room dysfunction in Champaign.

#illini Matthew Mayer: “We got a lot to figure out internally between the players and coaches.”

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 18, 2022

Mayer would go on to offer a small amount of clarity in his statements. Mayer stated that “the team will be fine,” and that he was “just upset.” Mayer then stated that he and head coach Brad Underwood “have different takes,” on how Mayer approaches his body.

#illini Matthew Mayer: “I think the team will be fine. I’m just upset.”

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 18, 2022

Mayer said he and Underwood have different takes on how he approaches his body. Mayer said Underwood focus more on mentality, but he thinks his better play is mostly about changes with physical approach (fasting, diet, etc.).

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 18, 2022

Mayer attributes his improved performance to physical changes, while Underwood prefers to focus on mentality.

After the win Saturday, the Illini improve to 8-3 on the season.