Profile: Eric May

(Written for March 3; Image courtesy of rivals.com)

Many kids dream about such a moment. Eric May did. Then he lived it.

With a buzzer-beating 35-footer to capture the Class 3A state championship, May effectively introduced himself to the state of Iowa.

“It was amazing,” May said. “There aren’t a lot of ways to describe it. It was a dream. It was just an incredible experience.”

Almost a year later, May continues to assault opposing teams with superior strength, athleticism and drive. The Dubuque Wahlert senior and future Iowa Hawkeye leads Class 3A in scoring with more than 24 points per game, while contributing better than 10 rebounds per game.

As May leads Wahlert back to the state tournament again this season, one can’t help but flashback to last year’s heroics. With the game tied at 57, two seconds remained on the clock. May received the inbounds pass 35 feet from the hoop with his back to the basket. He swung quickly around, faced up, and launched the ball toward the rim. It sailed through the net. A high school legend was born.

But May, also known for his rim-rattling dunks, is so much more than just the memory of one dramatic championship-winning shot. He’s more than simply the star of a 19-second YouTube clip with over 13,000 views.

“I think that play epitomizes what he does,” Iowa assistant basketball coach Chad Walthall said. “He makes winning plays. I’m not just talking about shots. He can play defense. He can grab a rebound. He’s a born leader and you just can’t have enough of those in your program.”

For Wahlert head coach Tom English, coaching May has been a treat. According to English, it’s May’s character that matters most. He carries a team-first attitude into competition.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” English said. “He’s a very coachable player. He’s not in it for the personal accolades. He’s more concerned about the team. And of course he’s been very entertaining for the fans and the community. He’s a winner.”

He’s the kind of winner that attracts major attention, not only from opposing defenses, but from Division I basketball programs.

Schools like Butler, Northern Iowa, St. Louis and Indiana State came knocking on May’s door. Northern Iowa recruited him the longest. St. Louis and well-known coach Rick Majerus dangled a shiny new $100 million arena in front of him. Butler offered a chance to play for a potential top 25 team next season. But in the end, Iowa just felt right. It was in his blood.

“I’ve had two sisters go to Iowa,” May said. “One (Lindsey) played soccer there. They couldn’t have been happier. My sister that went to UNI was happy and my little brother, too--and of course, my parents. They knew I made the right decision for myself.”

The decision also pleased a whole community. Dubuque, only about an hour-and-a-half drive from Iowa City, is home to thousands of Hawkeye fans, including many of May’s friends.

“They were excited,” May said. “Almost all my friends are Iowa fans. Most of them are going to Iowa. It was great the way they embraced it.”

Now the 6-foot-4 forward has his sights set on working hard to prepare for life in the Big Ten. His high school coach believes he’s better equipped to handle the ruggedness of conference play than most true freshman. His tools separate him from the pack. Like Iowa freshman Matt Gatens, May possesses a muscular build and physical maturity.

“I think he has a combination of strength and athleticism that a lot of high school kids don’t have,” English said. “A lot can shoot, but not many have those other traits. He’ll have those as a true freshman. He has the strength and athleticism to finish and get to the basket, which you need in a physical conference like the Big Ten.”

He also appears to have the right attitude, pedigree and work ethic. He’s the type of all-around student-athlete that coach Todd Lickliter looks for. Those who know May rave about his strong character.

“You talk to people around the city of Dubuque and they’ll tell you what a great person he is,” said Walthall, who recruited May. “He’s got a wonderful family, wonderful parents. I can’t speak enough about the quality of him as a person.”

Plus, he wanted to be a Hawkeye. He grew up rooting for the Hawkeyes. And soon he will be one. For May, the chance to fashion an Iowa uniform for the first time can’t come soon enough.

“It’ll be amazing,” May said. “I can’t wait. Hopefully it’s a packed arena. It’ll be another great experience.”