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Add another chapter in the remarkable story of Luke Maye. The player that Roy Williams originally wanted to bring in as a walk-on is now trying his luck with the 2018 NBA Draft. UNC reported on Monday that Maye will be entering his name into consideration for the draft, but will not be hiring an agent.
What this means is that while Luke will be allowed to work out with teams, attend the Combine (if invited), and get a good read on what his chances of being selected are, he does not risk his eligibility to return to Chapel Hill for his senior year. This was a widely expected move from Maye, since it allows him gauge teams interest in him without any negative impact from doing so.
Frankly, it’s a strategy far more college players should avail themselves of: Why not get a read on the Draft process and get feedback on what NBA teams like or don’t like about your game? Players who wish to return to college have until June 11th to remove their names from the draft.
While this move is not particularly surprising given Luke’s fantastic junior campaign (16.9 ppg and 10.1 rpg), it is amazing to think that in three years he has gone from unheralded freshman, to role-playing sophomore (albeit one who hit a REAL BIG shot), to First-Team All-ACC Junior and NBA Draft prospect. Luke Maye has indeed come a long way.