Mayer stresses defense, looks ahead to NBA future

Matthew Mayer goes up for a layup against the University of Texas on Feb. 12 at the Ferrell Center. Brittany Tankersley | PhotographerBy Michael Haag | Sports Writer

Senior forward Matthew Mayer has become a staple for the No. 4 Baylor men’s basketball program, and he has grown over the years into a national champion and potential NBA prospect.

Coming off a 2021 national title run, Mayer was in a key bench role, expected to inject energy into every game. Thrust into a starting role this year, the 6-foot-9-inch forward knew he had some things to work on to help not only his team, but also his future.

“I was considered a bad defender last year, but I was good at offense,” Mayer said. “[I was in…