UNC basketball center Henri Veesaar has declared for the NBA Draft, leaving the team in need of a new starting center for the 2025-26 season. Veesaar averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first year as a starter.
The UNC men's basketball program received some bad news on Friday, as star center Henri Veesaar officially declared for this year's NBA Draft.
Needing an experienced, dominant big man for their 2025-26 season, the Tar Heels landed Veesaar from Arizona in the transfer portal. Veesaar thrived in his first year as a full-time starter, averaging career-bests of 17 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 42.6 percent from deep.
Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, who also recently declared for the NBA Draft, formed the country's best frontcourt duo. Wilson sprained his wrist in a loss to Miami, then later broke his thumb leading up to Round Two of UNC-Duke, further emphasizing Veesaar's importance to North Carolina's roster.
Tar Heel Nation hoped for Veesaar's return, with no guarantee he'll be a first-round pick, but you can't blame the big man for his decision. NBA teams should covet Veesaar for his abilities to stretch the floor, rebound with ease, throw down big dunks and playing every moment with passion.
In Chapel Hill, there's a greater issue that UNC needs to address: finding its next starting center. There's already minimal options currently on the Tar Heels, but the portal is their best bet.
As North Carolina explores this gaping hole on its roster, let's dive into five centers head coach Michael Malone should be targeting:
ASU Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) dunks the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on March 3, 2026.
Henri Veesaar declared for the NBA Draft likely due to his strong performance, averaging 17 points and 8.7 rebounds, and the potential to be a sought-after player by NBA teams.
Veesaar's departure creates a significant gap in the Tar Heels' roster, as they now need to find a new starting center for the upcoming season.
Currently, there are minimal options available on the Tar Heels' roster, making the transfer portal the best avenue for finding a new center.
During his time at UNC, Veesaar averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.6% from three-point range.
Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda each hit two home runs as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-2. Drew Rasmussen earned the win, allowing one earned run over five innings.
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If UNC wants another tall, imposing center opponents can't take their eyes off, the 7'1" Diop needs to be a top priority in Chapel Hill.
Just a freshman, Diop quickly proved himself as a top, young big man in college basketball last season, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the 17-16 Sun Devils.
The Tar Heels lack a true shot-blocker on their current roster. Diop carries both that and starting, Power Four experience.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits forward Damon Wilkinson (34) drives to the basket while playing against the St. Thomas Tommies during the Summit League quarterfinals on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
North Carolina should also look towards mid-major programs for its next big man. Wilkinson, a 6'10" center from South Dakota State, is a good place to start.
Wilkinson stepped into a starting role last year, averaging a career-best 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Wilson ended his sophomore season with eight-consecutive, double-figure scoring games.
Memphis' Aaron Bradshaw (11) and Charlotte's Dezayne Mingo (2) both jump for a rebound during the game between the University of Memphis and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on February 8, 2026.
Bradshaw entered Kentucky as part of another heralded recruiting class in 2023, then transferred to Ohio State. Recently completing his junior campaign at Memphis, Bradshaw is looking for his fourth home in four seasons.
Bradshaw stands at 7'1", height UNC desperately needs once again. In 22 starts (29 appearances) for the Tigers last season, Bradshaw averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while showcasing his shooting abilities (53.6% FG, 33.3% 3PT FG, 77.2% FT).
If the Tar Heels want a talented big man yet to unlock his full potential, Bradshaw should be their next target.
Cincinnati Bearcats forward Baba Miller (18) dunks the ball in the second half of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. Bearcats won 73-66.
If Miller can gain a fifth year of eligibility, he immediately goes to the top of North Carolina's list.
The 6'11" Miller is familiar with ACC basketball, beginning his career with two seasons at Florida State. Miller then transferred to Florida Atlantic for a season – and spent his senior campaign with Cincinnati.
Miller averaged 13 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last year. UNC got double-doubles on a regular basis from Wilson and Veesaar.
Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen (1) against CIA Bella Vista (AZ) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Muurinen to the Tar Heels makes plenty of sense. The 6'11" forward, who played with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, included North Carolina in his final seven out of Arizona Compass Prep.
There's already a family connection to UNC. Muurinen's mother, Jenni Laaksonen, played under Sylvia Hatchell's watch in the 2001-02 and 02-03 seasons.
Muurinen is a raw, talented prospect who can be a difference maker from day one. If they haven't already, the Tar Heels should re-visit Muurinen as their next big man.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Five center targets to look at