Joel Berry could still feel the confetti falling from the sky and touching his skin. That is what the UNC point guard told reporters as his 2016-17 team geared up for another Final Four run.

Just a year earlier Berry and the Tar Heels had lost in the final seconds of the National Championship game to Villanova. The confetti fell immediately after Kris Jenkins nailed the last second shot to secure the win.

The Tar Heels exited the court slowly, their heads hung in disbelief, celebratory confetti falling from the sky as Wildcats fans cheered and the world watched.

UNC head coach Roy Williams didn't want his opponent to potentially feel what his players felt. So he asked the NCAA to hold the confetti until the losing team left the court. That gesture and forethought by the Hall of Fame coach explain the delayed release of confetti in April of 2017.

Roy told the story of how they asked the NCAA to hold the confetti until the losing team left the court. Thus the late falling when UNC won. pic.twitter.com/Hjie6KGcR5 — Jeff Gravley (@jgravleyWRAL) September 27, 2017

Roy Williams has been to nine Final Fours and won three titles. He knows the disappointment of defeat as well as he knows the euphoria of victory. A NCAA tournament veteran, Williams's small gesture is just another sign of the compassion he shows for all players and coaches.

UNC begins its title defense on Oct. 2 --- the first day of practice for the Tar Heels. Fans can get a first glimpse of the Tar Heels at Late Night with Roy on Oct. 13 in the Smith Center.

The Tar Heels begin the 2017-18 season on Nov. 10 against Northern Iowa. Check out the UNC's entire non-conference and ACC schedule here.