It's very safe to say that fans of the UNC basketball program never want to watch an undersized Tar Heels team ever again.
After a year that lacked height, Hubert Davis and company made a strong effort to add some much-needed size. One of the major additions came in the form of Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, a player who is expected to play a significant role for the Tar Heels in his first season on campus.
Slated to start at center for the UNC basketball program, Veesaar will finally have his opportunity to be a full-time starter. The Tar Heels are hopeful that he can be a force for them on both ends of the floor, bringing back the old-school post presence that North Carolina has built over its illustrious history.
Prior to North Carolina
The Tallinn, Estonia native played each of his first two college seasons at Arizona. A teammate of former Tar Heel Caleb Love, Veesaar took a major leap from his freshman to sophomore year, earning a much bigger role as a reserve for Tommy Lloyd's team.
As a sophomore, Veesaar averaged 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per-game in just under 21 minutes per contest. He shot 59.2% from the floor, including 32.7% from beyond-the-arc, as he isn't a big man who is limited to beating opposing defenses in the post.
What to Expect in 2025-2026
Expect Veesaar to carve out an even bigger role than what we saw him play last season at Arizona, as he will be the key clog in the middle for the UNC basketball program.
It will be very interesting to see how Veesaar's production builds as he earns more playing time. The Tar Heels have no problem throwing the basketball into the post, allowing their big men to do work in the paint. Expect Veesaar to get a lot of opportunities to get touches from all over the court, and don't be surprised if his overall numbers take another significant leap this season.
Bold Prediction
Veesaar did not record a double-double a season ago, falling a rebound short against Old Dominion early on in the season.
This year, Veesaar will have multiple double-double efforts and will serve as the team's second-leading scorer.
In what will be a balanced offensive attack, expect the guys in the front court: Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, to lead those efforts. Veesaar is a guy who could even flirt with double-double averages throughout the 2025-2026 season, as his impact on both ends of the floor will play a significant role in the UNC basketball program's success this upcoming season.