To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at North Carolina and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
G: Marcus Paige
F: J.P. Tokoto
Who is lost: Desmond Hubert and Jackson Simmons will move on, but both played limited minutes. Their biggest value to Carolina’s success came from practice, as they would have to compete and push the first team, giving coach Roy Williams ultimate depth on his roster. When you can have players of this caliber battling your stars, you have the potential to have a very good team.
Who is added: With not many leaving, Carolina signed one prospect in the early period: ESPN 100 and four-star prospect big man Luke Maye. This in-state post player can shoot it with legitimacy from the high post, and his range extends out to the arc. Maye understands the game, makes a simple and solid pass and competes on the glass with a toughness that will be welcomed in Chapel Hill. He is not the most athletic guy in the game, but he uses his strong frame to get angles and position to get the job done in the paint. With a deep returning front line, Maye might not see major minutes right away, but he will bring a readiness that will be valued. In his sophomore year, he should be a big contributor.
What it means for next season: The entire starting lineup and main reserves should be back, and that will spell trouble for the rest of the ACC, as Paige has established himself as the go-to guy. He will get plenty of help from Johnson and Meeks up front, as Tokoto and Nate Britt have given strong performances this season. Justin Jackson, the former ESPN top-10 prospect, has come on strong down the stretch for Williams; Theo Pinson and Joel Berry II will provide depth. The Tar Heels will be absolutely loaded next season, and barring transfers, injuries or early NBA draft entries, they should be a favorite in the ACC and a national top-five team.
Trending: Up. This program is primed for a big year next season, as it is loaded with talented experience. The Tar Heels are finalists for top prospects Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown. If they can land one of them, the future gets even brighter.