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[Ed.Note: We completely forgot to post this when first announced in late April. Blame Nathan.]
Bayron Matos became a hot commodity in the transfer portal after announcing his intentions to transfer in mid March. Matos heard from a bevy of schools including Illinois, Texas Tech, and Seton Hall before deciding to transfer USF and play in the green and gold.
I’m happy to announce that I will be attending the University of South Florida to finish up my last few years Thanks to all the people who helped me in this process. Thanks to olli and Lenny Minaya for everything they do to my. Go bulls!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/9hTSHNjznd
— Bayron matos (@Big_Matos07) April 27, 2021
After redshirting in the 2019 season, Matos became a strong contributor during his first season with the Lobos. In 20 games played and 15 games started, Matos averaged 6.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Moving towards the end of the season, Matos produced an efficient outing in a 73-65 victory over Air Force going for 13 points and seven rebounds while adding two blocks and a steal to his stat sheet.
Pistola Bayron Matos guía a Nuevo México a la victoria 73-65 sobre Air Force con 13 puntos y 7 rebotes
— Fdmathletics (@Fdmathletics_) February 23, 2021
FDM pic.twitter.com/3ugGhAEYNy
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Matos made his way to Tennessee, where coming out of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy he was ranked as the #4 player in the state and the #38 center in the country. He will have four years of eligibility remaining, joining a shuffling of an offseason for USF men’s basketball.