UNC Basketball: 5 things we learned from the Tar Heels’ win over Wofford

1. Luke Maye still hasn’t reached his ceiling

On Tuesday night, Luke Maye picked up right where he left off last season. Well, sort of.

His offensive efficiency was there, and his three-point shot was on target. He took care of the basketball — just two turnovers in 34 minutes — and he got his teammates involved, dishing out four assists on the game.

But his 24-point, seven rebound game was highlighted by his accuracy from the free throw line. It was there that he put on the most impressive part of his season-opening performance. Last season, Maye wasn’t reliable at the charity stripe, connecting on just 62.4 percent of his attempts. Against Wofford on Tuesday night, Maye knocked down 8-of-9 shots from the stripe, and he looked more comfortable doing it.

The 6-foot-8 junior big man has already established his ability to play in the post, step out and knock down shots from long-range, get the ball to his teammates and lead by example. But if he can consistently hit free throws, particularly late in close games, he has the opportunity to reach a new level.

Luke Maye isn’t Tyler Hansbrough. But Tyler Hansbrough isn’t Luke Maye, either. Hansbrough excelled in the paint, and could do just about anything he wanted, thanks to his size and sheer will. Maye, though, has Hansbrough beat when it comes to stepping back and knocking down shots from long-range. Maye is probably the more well-rounded player overall, and don’t be shocked if he has a Hansbrough-esque season for the Tar Heels this year.