What’s different about the UNC basketball team this year? RJ Davis has the answer

RJ Davis laid out the blueprint for this year's UNC basketball team.

Jamie Shaw, National Basketball Recruiting Analyst at On3, covered a press conference with Davis where Davis talked about the uniqueness of this team. When asked about the biggest differences in this year's group compared to last year, Davis cited athleticism, speed and floor spacing.

Every Tar Heel fan should be happy to hear Davis say this is the most athletic team he has ever been a part of. What this team lacks in size could make up for in athleticism. Davis also mentioned in his press conference that the Tar Heels are known for playing fast, but this year they will take it a step further. The recipe for success for the Tar Heels is to pick up the tempo and beat teams up and down the floor.

The Tar Heels have plenty of athleticism and speed at every spot on the court – guards, wings and bigs. Let’s break down how this year’s roster performs position by position.

Among guards, five-star freshman Ian Jackson and junior Seth Trimble stand out as top athletes. Jackson is one of North Carolina's more athletic players in recent memory. He is a high-flying freak of nature, capable of knocking down tomahawk and windmill jams with ease. The 6-foot-2 guard loves to attack the rim with all his might.

Trimble is likely to be the Tar Heels' most athletic returnee. Trimble is 6-foot-1, but he plays much taller than his height. He weighs a massive 195 pounds and can jump out of the gym. In last year's Round of 32 against Michigan State, Trimble twice pushed a bigger opponent to the sidelines.

Sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau should have no trouble pushing the tempo for the Tar Heels. Cadeau loves moving the ball up the floor in transition. He has vision on the field at the next level, dropping dimes and putting the needle in front of his teammates.

Davis, of course, is the heart and soul of the UNC basketball program. He will look to repeat his first-team All-American performance from last season. Davis will go down in history as one of North Carolina's all-time greats. Since the Tar Heels may have the best backcourt in the country, they should have no problem playing at top speed.

The Tar Heels' wing group also has plenty of athleticism. Five-star freshman Drake Powell may be the Tar Heels' most versatile player. A long, springy 6-foot-6 winger, Powell has the most NBA-ready frame on this team. He played a lot of point guard in high school, and the Tar Heels try to use him anywhere on the court at the 2-4 spots.

Graduate student Jae'Lyn Withers offers a unique combination of wing and post skill sets for the Tar Heels. Last year he had moments where his explosive athleticism shined. Withers was one of North Carolina's most reliable lob threats a season ago. His size and jumping ability will be important for the Tar Heels.

Junior transfer Cade Tyson fits into the Tar Heels' fast-paced four-man lineup. Tyson has the perfect blend of size and shooting ability and is one of the deadliest three-point shooters in the country. He will spread the floor at 3 and 4.

Following the departures of Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram to the NBA, this will be a new-look Tar Heels frontcourt. This isn't a traditional group of North Carolina big men, but there should be plenty of athleticism and firepower.

Junior Jalen Washington has more spring than people give him credit for. Last season, Washington caught a pass on the road at Duke and immediately exploded with a one-two that eclipsed three Blue Devils. And while the team will miss Bacot, Washington brings something different to the table. Bacot has more brute force. Washington has more finesse. Washington has superior length, athleticism and floor-spacing skills that should fit well with this year's style of play.

The big transfers the Tar Heels are bringing in – Ven-Allen Lubin and Ty Claude – are both small-ball bigs with elite offensive rebounding. Lubin can stretch the floor and take care of himself with a stunning mid-range jumper and strong follow-up. Claude will be a true enforcer on the team, providing dynamism, courage and toughness – all things the Tar Heels need when the going gets tough.

Freshman big man James Brown will have a limited role, but he will have a great group to learn from. As he gains more strength and familiarizes himself with the college game, he should make an impact down the road.

North Carolina clearly has athleticism, speed and floor spacing at every position, and not every Tar Heel squad has had that in recent years.

Davis' reaction at the press conference should help allay some concerns about the lack of size and injury time in this year's squad. The Tar Heels are playing to their strengths. Fans should be confident that this team will thrive in its new, lightning-fast identity.