UNC Basketball: A Way Too Early Look at the 2014-2015 Roster Situation

Roy Williams has already got off to a fantastic start for recruiting in the 2014 class. He has already gained commitments from two five-star players in Joel Berry and Justin Jackson. North Carolina has the consensus number one rated class in the 2014 rankings, but it is very early and North Carolina’s 2013 recruiting class is not wrapped up yet due to Andrew Wiggins.

Mar 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams looks down the court against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Sprint Center. North Carolina defeated Villanova 78-71. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Right now, UNC currently has offers out to five-star guys such as Theo Pinson (SF), Rashad Vaughn (SG), Devin Booker (SG), Justise Winslow (SF), Jahlil Okafor (C) and an offer to four star D’Angelo Russel (SG). All of these players are in the 2014 class. I get the feeling the offers to perimiter players might not yet be over. Just the other day, there was a UNC assistant watching five star prospect Jalen Lindsey (SF) as well.

If you notice, the only player that is not a shooting guard or small forward is Jahlil Okafor. Some might wonder, “Why has Roy not offered any power forwards and only one center?” or “Why is Roy Williams recruiting so many wing players?” Now it is time to take an early look at the 2014-2015 roster situation and your questions will be answered.

If you look at UNC’s current roster for the 2013-2014 season, PJ Hairston, Leslie McDonald, and JP Tokoto are the only wing players. UNC is still in play for Andrew Wiggins, which would give the Tar Heels a star and added wing depth. McDonald is a senior this year and Hairston is very likely to turn pro after this upcoming season, but then again, he might not. If the Tar Heels land Andrew Wiggins it is almost guaranteed he would depart after the 2013-2014 season as well. If PJ does turn pro this would leave JP Tokoto as the only perimiter player on roster for the 2014-2015 season. North Carolina will likely lose James Michael McAdoo after the 2013-2014 season as well, but again, you never know.

UNC would be left with big men such as Joel James (Jr), Kennedy Meeks (So), Isaiah Hicks (So), Brice Johnson (Jr), Desmond Hubert (Sr), and Jackson Simmons (Sr). The Tar Heels will be set at the 4 and 5 position still after 2013-2014, but the shooting guard and small forward positions situation is a different story. That may seem far off as of right now, but Roy is preparing for this as early as he can. Here is a better view of the likely situation.

PG: Paige (Jr), Britt (So), Berry (2014 commit)

SG:

SF: Tokoto (Jr), Jackson (2014 commit)

PF: Hicks (So), Johnson (Jr), Simmons (Sr)

C: James (Jr), Meeks (So), Hubert (Sr)

There will be a big hole left at the shooting guard position unless PJ Hairston decides to stay for his senior season. Who knows, James Michael McAdoo might even stay for his senior year. By taking a look at the possible roster situation, the scholarship offers Roy Williams has given out should be explained and all roster questions should be somewhat answered for the 2014-2015 season.