UNC Basketball: How Tar Heels' Playing Time Will Be Split Up in 2014-15

North Carolina's Roy Williams normally chooses to go at least eight or nine deep in his rotation.

He should have no trouble pulling this off with the talent on this year's Tar Heel team.

Five players return who logged double-figure minutes during 2013-14. All three members of Williams' most recent elite-level recruiting class will compete for immediate playing time.

Here is a look at how the minutes could get sliced up in the upcoming season. 

Joel James: 10 Minutes

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Though junior reserve center Joel James started 13 games last season, he only averaged 7.9 MPG on the year. 

The 6'10" low-post player does not provide much scoring punch (1.7 PPG), but he is a determined rebounder and a robust rim-protector.

If James can crash the boards and clog the middle for a couple minutes here and there throughout most games, he will play an important role on what should be one of the ACC's premier teams in 2014-15.

Theo Pinson: 11 Minutes

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On most teams, a player as athletic and versatile as incoming freshman Theo Pinson would come in and challenge for a starting role on the wing.

But, the Tar Heels' perimeter is loaded and he will play a secondary role in his first year in Chapel Hill.

As the first wing off Roy Williams' bench, look for Pinson to make an immediate impact on the defensive end and in the open court.

Nate Britt: 11 Minutes

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Through the early part of last season, Nate Britt started alongside leading scorer Marcus Paige in the Tar Heels' backcourt.

After Leslie McDonald was reinstated to the UNC roster, Britt came off the bench to hound opposing point guards.

The Charlotte Observer's Andrew Carter spelled out how the 5'11" Maryland native is changing shooting hands to bolster his offensive output.

At best, Britt will have to split backup PG minutes as a sophomore.

Joel Berry II: 13 Minutes

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What was already stated about fellow freshman Theo Pinson could also be said about Joel Berry II.

The former McDonald's All-American is a skilled floor leader who can impact the game on both ends of the court.

His scoring ability off the dribble will give him an advantage over sophomore Nate Britt.

If Roy Williams decides to primarily use Marcus Paige at the point (which he should), Berry will simply need to make the most of the minimal minutes Paige leaves behind.

Isaiah Hicks: 20 Minutes

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What a difference a year will make for sophomore power forward Isaiah Hicks.

A year ago, Hicks logged most of his 7.3 MPG out of position at the small forward position.

With James Michael McAdoo's departure, Hicks will slide back over to his natural slot as PF. He may even grab a few spare minutes in the middle.

ESPN's C.L. Brown predicts Hicks will make a much bigger impact on this year's squad than he did just a season ago.

Kennedy Meeks: 23 Minutes

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If you think Kennedy Meeks came on strong during the second half of last season, just wait until you see the sleek and slimmed-down version of the Charlotte native.

Because Meeks has dropped some serious pounds, he will be ready to stay on the court longer and consistently deliver down low.

Meeks only played less than 17 minutes per outing, but he averaged 7.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

I will not be surprised to see young Mr. Meeks turn into the Tar Heels' next double-double dude this season.

Justin Jackson: 24 Minutes

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If Justin Jackson played power forward, his slender physique might be a problem.

But the 6'8" wing will score points in bunches and cause problems with his length as he goes to work as a freshman starter.

Jackson has a full arsenal of offensive weapons and is a matchup nightmare. He is more than confident enough to look for his shot from Day 1.

He is a smart and selfless teammate who will help the Tar Heels have more scoring punch.

Brice Johnson: 25 Minutes

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Kennedy Meeks is not the only UNC player who has been working overtime on remaking his build.

Junior forward Brice Johnson has added over 40 pounds to his lean frame since coming to campus two-plus years ago.

Look for Johnson to be able to hold his own in the paint and start to leverage his natural athleticism and leaping ability.

While he still may not put the "power" in the power forward position, Johnson is ready for a breakout season as he surely moves into the UNC starting lineup.

J.P. Tokoto: 28 Minutes

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Rising junior J.P. Tokoto improved by leaps and bounds from his freshman to sophomore seasons.

He became one of the ACC's best lockdown defenders and was a terror in the Tar Heels' transition.

And the 6'6" wing's best basketball is still ahead of him.

Tokoto has spent most of the offseason working hard on "his shot and his mental and physical toughness."

If he puts it all together as a junior, watch out!

Marcus Paige: 33 Minutes

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Marcus Paige is not just one of the best guards in the ACC. He is one of the best multi-threat backcourt players in the nation.

He is a skilled floor leader and a cold-blooded scorer.

His ability to get shots up from anywhere this side of half court causes Carolina's opponents to do more than send a single defender at him.

If Paige matches his sophomore production, the Heels will be tough to beat. If he takes his game to the next level, look for UNC to make a run to the 2015 Final Four.