Drake Maye's High School Basketball Stardom Before Joining Patriots

The young QB was an elite high school hoops talent before focusing on football full-time.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 3:15am

Long before becoming the franchise quarterback for the New England Patriots, Drake Maye was a standout basketball player at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Maye was an All-State selection who averaged a double-double with around 16 points and 11 rebounds per game, earning several Division I basketball offers before ultimately committing to play football. The athletic prowess runs deep in the Maye family, with Drake's older brothers Luke and Baye both playing basketball at the University of North Carolina.

Why it matters

This story highlights Drake Maye's impressive athletic versatility, showcasing how he excelled not just on the football field but also on the basketball court in high school. It provides insight into the Maye family's deep athletic roots and the competitive environment that helped shape Drake's development into an elite NFL quarterback prospect.

The details

Playing for Myers Park High School, Maye was a dominant force on the basketball court, earning All-State honors and consistently recording double-doubles. His talent was significant enough that he received several Division I basketball offers, with scouts believing he had the frame and shooting touch to play high-major college hoops. However, Maye's elite potential as a quarterback eventually took priority, and he committed to the same school where his oldest brother, Luke, is a college basketball legend.

  • Maye played basketball for Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • He was an All-State selection and averaged a double-double during his high school basketball career.

The players

Drake Maye

The current starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, who was a standout high school basketball player before focusing on football.

Luke Maye

Drake's oldest brother, who is a college basketball legend at the University of North Carolina, where he was a key member of the 2017 national championship team.

Beau Maye

Another of Drake's brothers, who joined the North Carolina basketball team as a walk-on and later served as a graduate assistant coach for the Tar Heels.

Myers Park High School

The high school in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Drake Maye starred on the basketball court before committing to play football.

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The takeaway

Drake Maye's impressive high school basketball career, where he was an All-State selection and dominant double-double machine, showcases the incredible athletic versatility that has defined the Maye family. While Maye ultimately chose to pursue football, his basketball prowess highlights the well-rounded nature of his athletic talents and the competitive environment that helped shape him into an elite NFL quarterback prospect.