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UNC basketball: Projected starting lineup for 2022-2023

By Jahlynn Hancock

UNC Tar Heels guard R.J. Davis. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
UNC Tar Heels guard R.J. Davis. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) /
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Leaky Black #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots the ball over Jeremy Sochan #1 of the Baylor Bears during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Leaky Black #1 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots the ball over Jeremy Sochan #1 of the Baylor Bears during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

UNC basketball: Returning players

Despite potentially losing some of UNC’s key players, there are a handful of players that fans could see return for the 2022-23 season.

Leaky Black, Guard/Forward

Black has turned into one of the best defenders in the country and UNC could have one final go with him next season. With an extra year, because of COVID, coach Davis could use Black’s veteran leadership and stat-filling sheet ability to drive the team next season.

R.J Davis, Guard

Davis has been a consistent player in terms of development and is expected to return next season. Davis finished the season with 13.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.6 APG. Davis is a contender for being one of the top guards in the country and has the opportunity to be a first-team All-American.

Puff Johnson, Forward

With the definite loss of Brady Manek, fans should be excited with Johnson returning as he is set to fill Manek’s spot. Johnson played well in the tournament game but is still going to need some work. The key focus for coach Davis and Johnson is to put on weight and use the summer to focus on his shooting.

Dontrez Styles, Forward

Styles didn’t see much playing time as a freshman but banked a three-pointer during the upset win against Baylor. With the offseason, Styles has the opportunity to get better and potentially land his spot on the starting lineup for the upcoming season.