GoHeels Exclusive: Maye Snaps Mini-Slump In Big Way

by Pat James, GoHeels.com

CHAPEL HILL—They met early Tuesday, mother and son, for lunch at The Purple Bowl on West Franklin Street.

Luke Maye's family, specifically his mother Aimee, has always helped put whatever struggles he's going through into perspective. And amid a shooting slump, his discussion with her over Tuesday's meal was no different.

Before North Carolina's 96-66 win over Boston College, Maye was shooting 33.3 percent over the last five games. He had shot 56.5 percent in the first 11. Adding to his frustrations, the Tar Heels had suffered consecutive losses at Florida State and Virginia, with Maye registering his lowest two-game point total (20) of the season.

Not one for superstitions, he got a haircut. He sought changes of any sort. Yet the one Aimee suggested resonated with the oldest of her four children.

"She told me to have fun, just enjoy the game," Maye said. "She saw my mentality the past couple of games, and it didn't look I was out there enjoying it. I really wanted to come out and no matter what, if I missed 12 (shots) or made 12, I wanted to have fun and enjoy the experience."

So with a minute left in the first half on Tuesday, there he went, running down the Smith Center floor and holding up three fingers on each hand after making his third 3-pointer. The celebration was one of many by Maye following big plays. And with that energy came a return to form.

Maye recorded his third double-double in a half this season with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. He finished the game with 32 and 18, both career highs. His 13 field goals and 20 field goal attempts were also career highs.

The performance marked the first 30-point, 15-rebound game by a Tar Heel at the Smith Center since Antawn Jamison had 36 points and 16 rebounds against Maryland on Feb. 14, 1998. It was the 23rd 30-point effort by a UNC player in the 33-year history of the Smith Center.

"It's a lot of fun when you shoot it and the ball goes in a little bit more," Maye said. "I hadn't played at all well the past two games, and I really felt like I needed to step up for my team."

That became evident early on.

Using a different lineup for the first time since the second game of the season, Roy Williams inserted Cameron Johnson, pulled Garrison Brooks and moved Maye to the center spot. Maye said the decision forced him to focus more on rebounding and scoring in the paint. He proved highly effective at both.

At the first media timeout, UNC led 16-2 on the boards. Maye hauled in four rebounds. On offense, the small lineup allowed him to see bigger defenders along the perimeter and smaller ones in the post. He took advantage, scoring eight of the team's first 10 points near the basket.

"When he's being aggressive and doing what he's doing, you can just tell he's into the game," Joel Berry II said. "He hit one shot and I heard him say something to himself, and I was like, 'That's the Luke we know and that we need him to be.'"

Maye tallied the Tar Heels' last eight points of the first half to hand them a 50-35 lead at the break. He then opened the second 4-for-4 from the field.

When he exited the game with two minutes, 46 seconds left, Maye had scored in a multitude of ways. He matched his career high with four 3-pointers. He was efficient driving to the basket and with his post moves. He also tossed in a few baseline jumpers and both of his free throws.

In almost every facet, he looked like the same player from the first 11 games. But Williams said Maye hadn't made any significant adjustments since Saturday's loss at Virginia, when Maye scored a season-low six points.

"If things go a little bit south, everybody starts worrying and worrying and worrying," Williams said. "I've got really good kids. They care about what people think. I tell them to shut up and play. I think they started to feel a little pressure. I told Luke, 'You don't have to be anybody else. Just be Luke.'"

Once Maye sat down on the UNC bench, Williams approached him. He placed his hand on Maye's left shoulder. And he reiterated his trust in him.

"Since I've been here, he's always had confidence in me," Maye said. "I think everybody goes through rough patches. Just continuing to emphasize that is important. But I know Coach has the upmost confidence in me to play and be a big-time player. And that's what I'm going to try to do every night."

Players Mentioned

Joel Berry II

Garrison Brooks

Cameron Johnson

Luke Maye

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