UNC Basketball: Position-by-Position Breakdown of Tar Heels in 2015-16

The North Carolina Tar Heels are expected to have one of the top teams in college basketball this season, thanks mostly to the quality depth throughout the roster.

Many of the contenders across the country have elite talent with All-Americans and future NBA stars. While UNC certainly has its stars, the ability to get production out of as many as 11 players will be a key factor in the team's success.

The biggest problem for head coach Roy Williams might be figuring out how to get everyone enough playing time.

No matter what the coaching staff decides to do, there will be no shortage of options when it comes to setting up lineups. Here is a look at all the players expected to make legitimate contributions this season with a position-by-position breakdown for the 2015-16 Tar Heels.

Point Guard

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Starter: Marcus Paige

Bench: Joel Berry II, Nate Britt

Marcus Paige enters the year as a legitimate candidate for National Player of the Year as the top offensive player on one of the best teams in the country. He averaged 14.1 points per game last season, and while that was down from his 17.5 points per game as a sophomore, he still led the Tar Heels for the second year in a row.

After dealing with ankle and foot injuries last season, he should come into 2015-16 at full strength and ready to once again be one of the top scorers in college basketball. Even on a loaded team, he has a chance to approach 20 points per game.

Meanwhile, North Carolina has great depth at the position with both Joel Berry and Nate Britt capable of playing big roles this season. Consistency has been an issue for each of them in the past, but they can step in when needed and run the offense without much drop-off.

Roy Williams will certainly try to get both Berry and Britt on the floor as much as possible, even if that means they'll play alongside Paige instead of replace him.

Shooting Guard

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Starter: Theo Pinson

Bench: Kenny Williams, Nate Britt

With J.P. Tokoto leaving for the NBA, this is the only spot in the starting lineup—and realistically the entire rotation—that needed to be replaced from last year. This provides an opportunity for former McDonald's All-American Theo Pinson to step up from his mediocre freshman season.

Pinson struggled with injuries throughout his first year in Chapel Hill and only averaged 2.8 points per game when he did play. However, he has tons of raw talent that could allow him to break out with a huge sophomore campaign.

The guard has a similar skill set to Tokoto—with athleticism, slashing ability and defensive prowess—and he will be the perfect fit to be the last piece of the puzzle on this team.

Freshman Kenny Williams might not be as heralded as other players on this roster, but he will be a useful addition thanks to his outside shooting ability. North Carolina lacked a consistent three-point threat outside of Marcus Paige last season, and it could use Williams in key situations and to help spread the floor.

Joel Berry, Nate Britt and Paige will also see time at the 2 this season.

Small Forward

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Starter: Justin Jackson

Bench: Kenny Williams, Theo Pinson

While Justin Jackson has a bright future at the next level as a shooting guard, the 6'8" sophomore can be a dominant presence on the wing this season. He has the quickness and athleticism to slash by defenders along with the height and elevation to make him almost unguardable on the perimeter.

Although Jackson was often too passive at times last season, Marcus Paige recently explained why he expects him to take a big step this season, per GoHeels.com:

"

Everyone wants him to be aggressive because he’s such a good scorer. We try to push him to hunt shots and to be aggressive and to get on the boards because we know how talented he is and now that he’s more comfortable. It’s hard as a freshman to come in right away and be the man, especially on a team full of older guys, so he’s a lot more comfortable where he is now and I don’t think he should have any problems this year.

"

There are still older, more experienced players around him, but Jackson now has the confidence necessary to become a go-to option when needed this season.

When Jackson does need a break, UNC will simply have to go smaller by moving a guard to small forward. Brice Johnson and Luke Maye are possibilities to play the 3 if absolutely needed, but it is not a likely scenario.

Power Forward

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Starter: Brice Johnson

Bench: Isaiah Hicks, Luke Maye

Isaiah Hicks would be a quality starter on many teams around the country. The junior forward has a nice offensive skill set and took advantage of his playing time, averaging 17.9 points per 40 minutes.

His 21-point effort in a win over Boston College showed he could get it done if one of the starters went down.

That said, Brice Johnson is not losing his job anytime soon. The senior averaged 12.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season and is a threat for a 20-10 game every time he steps on the floor. He is perfectly suited for North Carolina's fast-paced attack thanks to his ability to run the floor and finish off fast breaks, although he has also shown the skills needed to create for himself in the low post.

If he plays to his ability, Johnson could be a first-team All-ACC performer this season.

Luke Maye might struggle to get onto the court during his freshman year, but like Kenny Williams, he is known for his outside shooting. His versatility on the offensive end could lead to some mismatches in certain games over the course of the season.

Center

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Starter: Kennedy Meeks

Bench: Joel James, Isaiah Hicks

While his 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game don't necessarily scream "elite big man," Kennedy Meeks is truly one of the best low-post players in the nation. There is a reason he was named No. 51 in CBS Sports' list of the top 100 players in college basketball.

Now that he is in shape, Meeks (6'10", 260 lbs) has become a quality offensive player who is a vacuum on the boards and strong enough to keep bigger opponents away from the basket. His numbers might not improve much this season, but he will be vital in helping North Carolina remain a top contender.

Joel James also could come in handy thanks to his massive frame at 6'11" and 280 pounds. He is an efficient player when he gets on the court (9.5 points and 10 rebounds per 40 minutes in his career) and will remain a valuable commodity off the bench.

Brice Johnson and Isaiah Hicks could also see time at center, but UNC will be at its best if Meeks can stay on the court as long as possible.

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