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Who will UNC turn to with Henri Veesaar likely staying in NBA draft?
TL;DR
UNC's Henri Veesaar is likely to stay in the NBA draft, indicating low chances of returning to college. The Tar Heels are now considering their options for the upcoming season.
Key points
- Henri Veesaar likely staying in the NBA draft
- Veesaar confirmed low chances of returning to UNC
- UNC must consider options for a new center
Mentioned in this story
UNCHenri VeesaarMike Malone
Tar Heels
As UNC awaits a decision on the 2026 NBA draft from star center Henri Veesaar, the Tar Heels don't seem to be trending toward receiving good news.
Speaking to ESPN's Jeff Borzello, the 2026 Second Team All-ACC selection essentially confirmed he would remain in the draft and deemed his chances of returning to school as low.
“I’m all-in on staying in the draft," Veesaar said. "It’s 100% my decision to stay. I think it’s the right decision, basketball-wise.”
Veesar said he didn't think there was any chance that he would return to Chapel Hill to join new coach Mike Malone's first-year squad.
A transfer addition this past offseason from Arizona, the Estonian native started all 31 games he appeared in and averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds for UNC. He totaled 13 double-doubles for the Tar Heels last season.
Veesaar, who measured in at 6-foot-11 during an impressive NBA combine performance, is currently viewed as a late-first or early-second-round pick.
North Carolina currently has the No. 7-ranked transfer portal class with four additions, including a potential replacement for Veesaar in 7-foot Northwestern forward transfer Cade Bennerman, who did not appear in any games as he redshirted his freshman year. The Tar Heels also hold a commitment from four-star international transfer center Sayon Keita.
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Q&A
What are Henri Veesaar's chances of returning to UNC?
Henri Veesaar has deemed his chances of returning to UNC as low, confirming he is committed to staying in the NBA draft.
Who will UNC look to replace Henri Veesaar?
With Veesaar likely leaving, UNC will need to explore options for a new center to fill the gap in their lineup for the upcoming season.
What impact does Henri Veesaar's decision have on UNC's basketball team?
Veesaar's decision to stay in the NBA draft could significantly affect UNC's roster and strategy as they prepare for the season under new coach Mike Malone.
