UNC big man Henri Veesaar declares for 2026 NBA Draft, leaving massive hole for Michael Malone

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North Carolina big man Henri Veesaar is entering the 2026 NBA Draft. The 7-foot center was a Second Team, All-ACC selection after averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists while shooting over 42% from 3-point range.

Veesaar is slotted at No. 26 in the CBS Sports NBA Draft prospect rankings. He is projected to be a late first-round pick, but now has a chance to go even higher after potential first-rounders like Florida's Thomas Haugh, Duke's Patrick Ngongba and UConn's Braylon Mullins all announced that they will return to college basketball next season.

North Carolina had a massive NIL contract on the table for Veesaar, who would have been positioned to be the Preseason ACC Player of the Year in 2026-27. The big man still has the option to return to UNC, but he is expected to stay in the NBA Draft, barring a change of heart.

It's a critical blow to North Carolina's immediate 2026-27 outlook under new coach Michael Malone. The Tar Heels have done yeoman's work in the portal, reeling in three top-50 transfers in Virginia Tech's Neoklis Avdalas, Utah's and . But Veesaar was positioned to be the head honcho.