Williams eager to have experience on Tar Heel roster for once

CHAPEL HILL (AP) — For the past two seasons, North Carolina coach Roy Williams has had to teach plenty of youngsters. Next year, Williams expects to be able to have a little more fun with an experienced group.

The Tar Heels have been loaded with freshmen and sophomores as they rebuilt after losing their top seven scorers from the team that won the national championship in 2005. But with six of North Carolina's top eight scorers returning for 2008, Williams says he should be able to move at a faster pace in practice with a group that has already learned the ropes.

North Carolina won 31 games last year, including its first Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title since 1998. The Tar Heels reached the NCAA tournament's round of eight, losing to Georgetown in overtime.