First-years of the UNC men's basketball team

In the wake of the University’s academic-athletic scandal, the North Carolina men’s basketball team struggled to draw in new players — its 2015 recruiting class was ranked No. 54 in the country by 247Sports. But despite this, the Tar Heels hope that two new players can help contribute this season. 

Kenny Williams

Kenny Williams, a late addition to the Tar Heels’ 2015 class, brings a much-needed component to North Carolina’s offense — 3-point shooting. 

During the 2014-15 season, UNC shot just under 36 percent from behind the arc. Of the Tar Heels’ 184 made 3-pointers, over half came from one player in Marcus Paige (94). 

In four years at Lloyd C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, Virginia, the 6-foot-4 175-pound guard had 1,603 career points while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. 

And while Williams’ 3-point shooting should be a plus for North Carolina, the first-year has shown so far in practice that he is no one-trick pony. 

“I found out he’s a much better basketball player … and a much better defender, which I didn’t give him credit for, than he is just a shooter,” said Coach Roy Williams. 

But at the end of the day, the head coach hopes the first-year guard’s 3-point prowess can add to an already loaded North Carolina offense. 

“We need him to shoot the ball in the basket for us, and I expect him to,” he said.

Luke Maye

North Carolina’s first commitment from the class of 2015, Luke Maye brings even more depth to an already talented UNC frontcourt. 

While playing at William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, Maye put up 1,923 points and 1,369 rebounds and was named to the Associated Press All-State team twice. 

As a senior in 2014-15, the 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward averaged 20.7 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while leading his team to the second round of the 2015 North Carolina state playoffs. 

While Maye might not see as much playing time as his first-year counterpart Kenny Williams, Coach Roy Williams believes that when the forward’s name is called, he will be ready to come in and provide good minutes. 

“Luke is just one of those kinds of guys that’s just a plugger. He’s just going to keep plugging along, plugging along, playing, doing things,” he said. “He’s an extremely intelligent kid that I think will find a way to get in the game and help us.” 

And if Maye can contribute, he’s another tool in an already talented UNC roster.