UNC Basketball: Luke Maye involved in car accident

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) is guarded by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Killian Tillie (33) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) is guarded by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Killian Tillie (33) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Luke Maye was involved in a car accident Thursday afternoon. What does this mean for the Tar Heel’s front court player?

Whenever there is good news, there is often bad news.

The good news this week was that Cam Johnson picked North Carolina as his school of choice and that was followed up with Pittsburgh caving and allowing him to play immediately.

The bad news came early this morning and involved rising Junior Luke Maye.

On Thursday afternoon, Luke Maye was involved in a car crash. According to his dad, Maye, who was returning from his brother’s graduation, ran into an 18 wheeler and was pushed into the bank.

The good news out of this is that even though the car was destroyed, Luke Maye was not.

According to a new report from the Charlotte Observer, Maye’s car flipped several times and it landed upside down.  The junior forward had injuries ranging from bumps and bruises to scratches and scrapes, but his dad ultimately said his son was fine.

Here’s what Mark Maye said in a text message via the Charlotte Observer:

"“Yes, Luke had a car accident this afternoon coming home for his brother’s middle school graduation,” Mark Maye said in a text message Thursday night. “Was very fortunate. Thank the good Lord he is fine. Put a real scare in him — and us.”"

Obviously, it seems like everything is alright, but the problem with car wrecks is what happens in the days after.

Anything worse developing is not good for Maye or North Carolina.

With the major losses to the frontcourt this past offseason, Luke Maye became the most experienced returning big man.

For a team that has lived in the frontcourt the past few seasons, Maye’s experience was huge especially with all the young talent that the Tar Heels now have on the roster.

Even with the addition of Johnson, Maye will still be an integral part of any Tar Heel success this season, that may have to rely on freshmen more than thought.

Hopefully nothing new develops and this is just a funny story Maye can tell at some news conference in a few months.

Here is wishing a quick recovery to him and to a great season for the Tar Heels.