During a recent pickup game, Marcus Paige knifed into the lane, elevated for a twisting basket, and then felt something to which he’s still not entirely accustomed—nothing.
After battling through a variety of injuries as a junior, Paige underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle in mid-April. Paige also had to deal with plantar fasciitis last season, but still led the Tar Heels with 14.1 points per game and 170 assists.
After returning to basketball action in June, Paige has spent much of his summer working back into game shape. Being pain-free means he’s feeling much more like the player he was as a sophomore rather than as an occasionally hobbled junior.