MEET THE ROSTER
Dantoni's first year as Tar Heel Head Coach has an influx of a bit more talent than he did with Radford, atleast on paper. This season will definitely determine if the team buys in to the new approach. We expect to also see some turnover from that old roster as Dantoni's new roster definitely is more High Octane than before.
We already hear that there is potentially a rift between Junior F/C Lester Robbins. At 6'7" 265, he doesn't fit the Run and Gun style that Dantoni likes to run. He's more of a traditional post up Big Man that isn't necessarily a need for the style of pace the Tar Heels will be running.
Also, Four-Star Signee Joey Frandsden has already entered the Transfer Portal 1 month after signing his LOI to the Tar Heels. Frandsden isn't the ideal 'Ball Pressure' Point Guard required in Dantoni's Full Court Press scheme. So it appears he is also on his way out of Chapel Hill as well. We figured there would be some form of attrition due to the style of coach Rick Dantoni is, and it hasn't taken long to come to light.
INCOMING FRESHMAN
G - Joey Frandsen* 
5'11" 165 - Winston Salem, NC>
G - Kyle Belveins* 6'7" 190 - Birmingham, AL
F - Chris Mbyirukira
6'9" 210 - Camaroon
F - Dez Stephenson* 
6'8" 213 - Charlotte, NC
F - Brennon Alloway 6'7" 210 - Lawton, OK
* - Denotes recruited by Roy Williams
Incoming Freshman Kyle Belveins
The Tar Heels had a pretty good recruiting class with two top100 recruits in the fold in Guards Joey Frandensen and Kyle Belveins. However, we already noted above how Frandensen has already entered the transfer portal. Belveins is a bit of a different story. He was heavily recruited by Dantoni while at Radford, but like most other high profile recruits, the opportunity to play at a power level school is hard to pass up so Belveins signed with the Tar Heels.
However, the two still are united in Chapel Hill.
"Belveins is such a high character player. He has all the tools to be a next level guy." Said Dantoni.
F/C Chris Mbyirukira
Mbyirukira from Camaroon is a guy that was headed to Radford with Dantoni, but when Dantoni made the move to UNC, Mbyirukira decided to follow suit. Dantoni does not care about stars, or rankings. He wants players that fits his style of basketball, and Mbyirukira does that for him. He has the ability to play multiple positions and guard multiple different positions as well.
F - Dez Stephenson
Stephenson signed with UNC after all signs pointed he was heading to East Carolina. But Dantoni was able to steal his signature in the final hour and Stephenson is a versatile player that can play Forward or Center and also guard multiple positions.
F/G - Brennon Alloway
The former Radford commit followed Dantoni to UNC. Dantoni called him "a Blue collar worker". Alloway checks all the boxes for Dantoni as a player and was an ultimate need in his eyes. At 6'7" he can play Guard or Forward. Dantoni was thrilled he decided to follow him to UNC.
VETERAN PLAYERS RETURN
When Dantoni met with the veteran players he was pleased with the following guys and feels his their transition from a half court team to a high octane team won't be a hard one for them.
G - Wesley Gastel -
- 6'4" 195
Dantoni immediately fell in love with Junior Guard Wesley Gastel who was the Tar Heels leading scorer last season. This year his role will be completely different.
"Gastel is such a hard nosed guy. He's like a Pit Bull. He gets after you. He immediately bought in and he's already one of our leaders" said Dantoni
Which is a bright sign for Dantoni because Gastel will be the main player pressuring other players ball handlers trying to create turnovers. And at 6'4" he has great size as a combo guard.
Galen Upshaw -
- 6'9" 215
The Former Five-Star was a Freshman All-American and a Freshman All-ACC player his first year in Chapel Hill. Last season he completely under achieved. Dantoni plans to revitalize him back to his old habits, and get the most out of the former McDonalds All-American.
"The guy oozes with talent. He does a lot. He can guard the 1 through 5. So much athletic ablity. So much talent. He can be a major contributor to this team." said Dantoni.
C/F Navonta Dupree- - 6'8" 220
Dupree might be the most athletic player on the roster, he'a an athletic specimen but so far in his collegiate career hasn't lived up to expectations. In the system with Dantoni he could flourish.
"He's a 44 inch vertical guy with excellent length. He can do a lot for us. He's athletically gifted. And we plan to bring every ounce of talent out of him" said Dantoni.
G/F Vandrell Patrick -
- 6'7" 205
The former McDonalds All-American Four Star was the team's second leading scorer last season. He's another guy on the existing roster that fits the bill of prototypical hybrid players that he likes in his system.
"The guy can flat out score. Tall, Long, Lean..plays with great leverage. He's definitely one to watch out for." said Dantoni
The Tar Hells open the season against Binghamton in Chapel Hill.