UNC Basketball: Biggest Ups and Downs from 2015 Offseason So Far

The college basketball offseason doesn't often have the same drama as professional sports with free agency and trades. That didn't stop North Carolina from having plenty of excitement over the past few months.

While some programs around the country can quietly go through ups and downs during the spring and summer, UNC has no such luxury. Between the program's history and projections for next season, it is likely to remain as much in the public eye as possible. 

What results is a critical recap of the entire offseason up to this moment with an eye on how each event affects the future of the team.

Here is a look at the most important positive and negative moments to occur to UNC basketball since March.

Up: Key Underclassmen Return

Karl B DeBlaker/Associated Press

North Carolina fans have been excited for the upcoming season since a few weeks after the 2014-15 one concluded. The reason is the return of one of the most loaded lineups in the nation.

While J.P. Tokoto entered the NBA draft, the other nine rotational players from last season will all be back. This includes the team's four leading scorers in Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks and Justin Jackson. Each of these players has the potential to be an All-ACC performer this year as well as a future NBA draft pick.

As far as Tokoto is concerned, the team can easily replace him in the starting lineup with either Theo Pinson or Joel Berry II, each of whom is a former McDonald's All-American.

There will be other teams across the country with as much talent thanks to freshmen additions (Kentucky, Duke) or transfers (Maryland), but no one in the nation has as much returning as the Tar Heels. This could lead to big things for the upcoming season.

Up: Top Competition Gets Weaker

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

While the Tar Heels kept their best players, the rest of the nation seemed to follow the pattern of modern college basketball: leave for the NBA after one great season.

After winning a national championship, Duke lost Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow and (more surprisingly) Tyus Jones. Kentucky saw seven players depart after almost going undefeated. Top ACC rivals also lost key players such as Justin Anderson of Virginia, Trevor Lacey of North Carolina State, and Louisville's Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell. Each of these players was an underclassman and could have easily returned to school but chose a different route.

This will all help North Carolina in its quest to return to the top of the conference standings and possibly more. Although many of these schools have restocked with talented freshmen, they are all considerably weaker than a year ago at this time.

Down: Academic Scandal Looms

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

University of North Carolina leaders discussing academic probe

Arguably the biggest story surrounding North Carolina's athletic programs this offseason is the NCAA's investigation into an academic scandal at the school.

The sport's governing body released a Notice of Allegations that alleges serious violations including lack of institutional control. While this could negatively impact many of the teams within the school, it is unclear what kind of impact, if any, this will have on the men's basketball program.

As ESPN's Dana O'Neil noted, head coach Roy Williams maintains his innocence and felt a "sense of relief" when his name wasn't used in part with the allegations. The problem is there could still be sanctions on the way, and the uncertainty remains a dark cloud over the program.

Only time will tell what type of impact this scandal will have on the basketball program, but as of now, it is nothing but negative publicity.

Down: Brandon Ingram Chooses Duke

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Losing a recruiting battle is never enjoyable, but some are worse than others. When an elite local recruit chooses to sign with a hated rival, it's about as bad as it gets.

Brandon Ingram—considered the No. 3 overall recruit by 247Sports—will play for Duke next season after passing on the Tar Heels, creating a huge swing within the conference. To make matters worse, the talented wing admitted the academic scandal helped sway his choice.

When asked whether he would have committed to UNC without the NCAA investigation, Ingram said, "I think I would have. I liked them a lot," according to Andrew Carter of the News & Observer.

The Blue Devils were arguably the better option for a likely one-and-done player considering the extra playing time available next season. That said, it could be a sign of things to come for future recruits contemplating a move to Chapel Hill.

With a loaded local class of 2016 recruits, this remains an important thing to watch going forward.

Up: Roy Williams' Contract Extended

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

In the midst of the issues surrounding the program, the athletic department decided to extend Roy Williams' contract through the 2020 season, adding two years to his existing deal.

Although this doesn't necessarily guarantee he will be around for this long, what the move does is give the head coach a vote of confidence from his superiors. It also shows both current and potential future players there will be continuity going forward, and there should be no reason to worry.

There is certainly a group of people who consider this a negative development, wanting a fresh start after what they believe is a negative turn in recent recruiting. However, Williams has proved himself time and again as an excellent recruiter who also has brought the school two national titles and a handful of other accolades.

In reality, the Tar Heels remain in good hands for the foreseeable future with the Hall of Fame coach.