Tony Bradley to UNC: Projecting Tar Heels' 2016-17 Rotation with 4-Star PF

Although we haven't even started the 2015-16 season, Tony Bradley's commitment to North Carolina will have a big impact on the future of the program.

After a less-than-stellar 2015 recruiting class, questions arose (warranted or not) about head coach Roy Williams' ability to continually bring in top talent. With an academic scandal also looming over the program, there were numerous doubts about the future after this upcoming season.

Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson and Joel James will graduate next spring while Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks could potentially declare for the NBA draft. According to DraftExpress, they are both currently projected to be first-round picks in 2016. 

This leaves a relatively barren roster for the following year. On the plus side, Bradley kicked off what could be a quality 2016 class by announcing his commitment to UNC on Twitter. This gives the Tar Heels a 4-star forward that is rated No. 28 in the nation by 247Sports.

While there will likely be more commitments to add to the rotation, as well as more possible attrition, here is an extremely early look at the possible lineup for the 2016-17 season.

PG: Joel Berry II

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Whether he starts alongside Marcus Paige in the backcourt or comes off the bench, it seems likely Joel Berry II will play a big role for the Tar Heels this season. 

The former McDonald's All-American had an uneven freshman season, but showed flashes of brilliance when he did get a chance to shine. He possesses impressive quickness that allows him to drive into the lane and create from there, making him an ideal lead guard in Roy Williams' system.

Berry has also showed the ability to be an above-average outside shooter, knocking down six of his 11 attempts from behind the arc in seven postseason games.

Despite being a bit undersized at 6'0", the point guard has a bright future at North Carolina.

SG: Kenny Williams

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

His shooting ability should get him onto the court some this season, but a deep rotation will keep Kenny Williams far down the bench. Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing for a freshman that is still growing as a player on both ends of the court.

While the former VCU commit has been praised for his skill from deep, he wants to be known as more than just an "outside shooter" at this level.

"I really don't like that label," he told Aaron Beard of the Associated Press (via the Elk Valley Times). "I know that's what I do best and that's how I made my name. But it's like when you use that, you pigeon-hole a person. I'm not just an outside shooter."

There is nothing stopping Williams from starting his career as a pure shooter and later developing other abilities to make him a more well-rounded guard. By the time he is needed as a sophomore, he should be prepared to take on the ACC—and the rest of the nation.

SF: Theo Pinson

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

With a great sophomore campaign, Theo Pinson could potentially be gone by this point. ESPN's Chad Ford currently lists him as the No. 44 prospect in the 2016 NBA draft class, and that's with only 300 total minutes logged at the college level. The wing certainly has the talent to break out and move up draft boards during the course of the season.

A more likely scenario, however, is that Pinson becomes more of a glue guy around the rest of the veteran starting lineup before breaking out as a junior.

The current sophomore's upside is unmistakable. He is an athletic slasher who can finish at or above the rim with consistency. He is even better on the defensive end, where he had a better rating than even J.P. Tokoto last season, according to Sports-Reference.com.

If he can continue to add to his versatility, Pinson can be an All-ACC performer and go-to option for the Tar Heels by the 2016-17 season.

PF: Isaiah Hicks

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Isaiah Hicks would be a valuable starter on most teams around the country, but for now he will have to settle as a key bench player behind one of the top frontcourts in college basketball.

This should change during his senior year as Hicks finally gets his turn on top of the depth chart.

The 6'8" forward showed what he can do in this role against Boston College last season, totaling 21 points and five rebounds in a win. Those aren't ever likely to be averages for the big man, but we know he is capable of production on the offensive end. The key is a high motor with a respectful offensive rebounding rate of 11.6 percent.

With other players doing the majority of attacking on offense, Hicks will be there to clean up the scraps and keep up the efficiency for the Tar Heels.

C: Tony Bradley

North Carolina still has its sights on other top big men in the 2016 class like Edrice Adebayo and Harry Giles, but even without them the team will be in good shape with Tony Bradley.

The 6'10", 235-pound forward is a perfect fit for the system thanks to his ability to run the floor and finish in the post. In fact, Bradley quoted the "style of play" as one of the big reasons for reaching his decision, according to Reggie Rankin of ESPN.com.

While he still has a lot of room to improve, he does have a good amount of polish for a high school big man. He can score with his back to the basket from either side of the net, likely filling a major void after the expected departures of Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks.

Adding in Bradley's ability to rebound with consistency, it's clear he will get plenty of playing time as a freshman regardless of who else is on the roster.

Key Reserves

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

PG Nate Britt

While he totaled more minutes than Joel Berry last season, Nate Britt saw his playing time drop from his freshman to sophomore year, and it might not end there. He is a valuable backup point guard who provides quality outside shooting and consistency with the ball in his hands, but he lacks the physical tools needed to be an elite guard at this level.

That said, Britt can be a useful member of the team going forward, especially if he can improve his assist rate and continue to make big shots from deep.

PF Luke Maye

The potential is there for Luke Maye down the line, but the stretch 4 will likely need to add more size if he wants to compete in the post against other ACC forwards. Even if he does bulk up over the next year, Hicks will have more experience and Bradley will have more value offensively in the post.

Still, Maye could represent some nice depth and a mismatch for opponents when he is on the court. 

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round college basketball talk and more sports analysis.