UNC Basketball: Early Projection of 2017-18 starting lineup

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) dunks during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Tar Heels still celebrate their 2017 National Championship, their starting lineup for next season is beginning to take shape.

Following NBA draft decisions and the announcements of some recruiting targets, the Tar Heels have a solid idea of who will be in the lineup for their repeat attempt.

After quick deliberations, Joel Berry and Theo Pinson both decided to return to school, despite announcing their intentions to test the professional waters.

The Heels lost Justin Jackson, who declared for the draft with an agent.

Lastly, the Heels await the decision of freshman big man Tony Bradley, who received an invite to the NBA combine this month. He will have ten days after that to come up with a decision.

More from UNC Basketball

If you have not heard, the Heels missed on 2017 forward Kevin Knox, who announced his surprising college decision on Saturday night.

Knox spurned the entire Tar Heel state, opting to attend Kentucky for what seems like one year.

With those decisions, Carolina knows who it will have for the most part next season. Once again, the Heels will mix a nucleus of veterans with a young group of freshman who could contribute sooner rather than later. Seventh Woods and Brandon Robinson will a year older, and will also be ready to contribute on this Tar Heel team.

For now, we will check out the projected lineup for next season. Keep in mind nothing is set in stone, but these guys are who will likely be starting, or be competing for a starting spot in the fall.

We will also see which role players are primed for a breakout season and those who may surprise some, despite how big their role will be!