There have been plenty of stars that have come out of the state of North Carolina on the basketball court, but Phenom Hoops is taking a little bit of a different route in this article, as we look at the star at North Carolina in Drake Maye.
Why are we looking at a football player? Because it just reminds us of what we also saw on the court back at Myers Park.
There was no doubt about it, Maye was a star quarterback as he was highly ranked by so many outlets and was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country. And he certainly has shown that at North Carolina, as he has nearly 3,500 total yards this season and 35 touchdowns already as a redshirt freshman. And if you average that out that includes the ACC Championship game, Maye would record over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Those numbers are incredible to think about as a player at his age, as Maye should (and has seen his stock rise) be fully considered in the Heisman race (but that is coming from a basketball scout, so I will stay away from that).
But when looking back at Maye, many people may forget that he was an absolute stud as well on the court as well, as he easily could have been a D1 basketball recruit as well (but it seems like he made the right decision. Maye was a double-double machine, bringing a physical presence, a high IQ, and could make plays in so many areas of the court. Just look at what we said years ago about his game:
“Drake Maye is a two-sport star and listed as one of the premier quarterbacks in the country. Originally committed to Alabama for football, he recently decommitted and verbally committed to UNC. Don’t be surprise if you see Maye on the hardwood as well as the gridiron. Maye simply has impeccable basketball instincts and an advanced skill set and if football was not his main priority, we personally think Maye would have been a hot basketball prospect at the mid-major level.”
“Sure he is an Alabama commit as a Top 100 quarterback in the 2021 class, however, he was the player everyone was talking about leaving the Outer Banks. He showcased an entire skill set that would have him be a hot commodity were his heart not set on football at the next level. Maye is very strong and has a high basketball IQ. He showcased some explosive athleticism, deep range and the ability to initiate the offense. His quarterback skills are easily translatable to his passing skills on the court as well. Look for a major jump for Maye in the rankings and a big junior year for him, leading one of the top teams in Charlotte.”
Though he has risen as one of the top quarterbacks in the country in such a short period, there is no doubt about it that he could find success on the court as well with his game. Below are just a few highlights from his time at Myers Park.