UNC center Henri Veesaar has decided to remain in the 2026 NBA draft instead of returning to college, potentially missing out on a lucrative NIL deal. He aims to secure a first-round pick after a strong season with the Tar Heels.
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As UNC looks to build its 2026-27 roster under new coach Mike Malone, it won't be returning one of its key players from this past season.
On Friday, center Henri Veesaar opted to remain in the 2026 NBA draft rather than return to the Tar Heels, according to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. Veesaar likely would have become one of the highest-paid players in college basketball had he stayed in Chapel Hill, but instead, he'll try his hand at being a first-round pick.
A transfer addition last offseason after three years at Arizona as a primarily rotational player, the 7-footer from Estonia started all 31 games he appeared in for North Carolina this season. He averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds, earning Second Team All-ACC honors.
Veesaar is widely viewed as a late first or early second-round pick.
UNC has already suffered some key losses this offseason. Star freshman Caleb Wilson is a likely top-five draft pick, while starting guard Luka Bogavac entered the portal. Guard Seth Trimble also entered the portal while seeking an additional year of eligibility, and if he doesn't return, it would mean the Tar Heels lost their four leading scorers from this past season.
To replace them, Malone has added four transfers so far, headlined by guards Terrence Brown (Utah), Matt Able (NC State) and Neoklis Avdalas (Virginia Tech). North Carolina also brings in five-star forward signee Maximo Adams.
Henri Veesaar opted to remain in the NBA draft to pursue the opportunity of being a first-round pick, despite the potential for a significant NIL deal at UNC.
During his season at UNC, Henri Veesaar averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds, starting all 31 games he played.
Henri Veesaar is widely regarded as a late first or early second-round pick in the NBA draft.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: UNC basketball's Henri Veesaar will remain in 2026 NBA draft