Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Early Projection of 2017-18 starting lineup

By Bryson Gordon

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs 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 Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs 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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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward: Luke Maye

The legend of Luke Maye continues to grow.

Tar Heel fans celebrated him a lot after he hit the game-winning shot against Kentucky, but this next season could be just as fun. Maye is almost certainly a lock to be in the starting lineup.

Maye showed last season he is capable of scoring in the paint with the bigs. He has a strong hook shot that he can rely on against bigger guys. He also has the ability to back down smaller guys under the basket.

But Maye’s versatility is what makes him an asset to the Heels. Maye can step out and hit the three, or take a step in and knock down the mid-range jumper.

Maye was one of the better shooters on the team last season. He actually led the team from three among guys who had at least one attempt per game. He shot 40% from deep last season.

But one place where Maye could hurt the Heels is his defense.

While Maye is not a terrible defender, he struggles to defend similar players. Maye can hold his own in the paint, but when forced to guard on the perimeter, he struggles to move his feet.

Maye did not stay in foul trouble much, but quicker offensive players often got by him to the basket. That will be one thing Maye can work on next season.

Despite his defensive issues, be on the lookout for Maye to have a breakout season next year!

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