UNC Basketball player preview: Sophomore Luke Maye
By Alec Lasley
Our 2016-17 UNC Basketball player preview series continues with sophomore Luke Maye
Shea Rush | Brandon Robinson | Seventh Woods | Tony Bradley Jr.
Looking at some of the names for UNC basketball who will need to play a bigger role this year, one that comes to mind is Huntersville, NC native, sophomore forward Luke Maye.
Playing in 32 games last year, Maye averaged only 5.6 mpg. As the fifth big man on the team, he was used only in rare situations when there were multiple guys in foul trouble or if there was a lack of effort from the bigs in front of him.
He finished the year with an average of 1.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg.
Coming into his freshman year, Maye was known for his ability to rebound the ball. As a senior in high school he averaged 15.5 rpg on his way to 1,369 rebounds in his high school career. Last year, he started right where he left off.
Even in his limited playing time, he showed that he was a force to reckon with on the boards.
Maybe slightly undersized at his position, 6-foot-8 ,235-pounds, Maye uses his great footwork and big body to get great position underneath the basket.
Strengths:
Maye is a player who is always around the action, whether it be on offense or defense. His quick feet and great footwork makes him one of the best rebounders for the Tar Heels.
His ability to run the floor on a make or miss, puts a lot of stress on opposing big guys. Though he is not very long, he uses his big frame and physical play to finish at the rim or in the mid range.
With a high IQ, he has great vision and passing ability.
Weaknesses:
Slightly undersized and not very long, he will struggle against more athletic big men to get a shot off. Though he showed he could shoot the ball from deep in high school, it has yet to translate in the college game.
What to expect in 2016-2017:
Look for a huge increase in minutes this year from Luke Maye. Not only does Roy Williams always love to rotate in multiple big men due to the fast paced offense they run, but because of the departure of Brice Johnson and his 10.4 rpg, there are multiple rebounds to make up for. Seniors Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks haven’t proved to be consistent 10 rpg players, so Maye’s ability to rebound will prove crucial.
Carolina, usually with five big men on their team, will only have four this year and due to the absence of Theo Pinson, the Tar Heels will not be able to go small, proving Maye’s importance.
He will not be a guy who will post double-doubles night in and night out, but look for him to provide the Tar Heels with roughly 14 mpg with an average of five to six rebounds.
He, again, won’t be a scorer for this UNC team but he will be one of the top rebounders for the Heels.