Henri Veesaar has officially closed the door on his college basketball career.
After a breakout season at North Carolina, Veesaar turned down some lucrative NIL opportunities to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. The seven-footer is fully focused on beginning his professional basketball career, but took a moment to write a letter of gratitude to thank his support system.
Henri Veesaar officially says goodbye to North Carolina
Just hours after the news surfaced regarding his decision to enter the draft, the UNC basketball program's social media team released a statement from Veesaar.
League him. pic.twitter.com/VCCL7XJwLh
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 24, 2026
Here's the statement that Veesaar put together to announce his decision:
“This journey didn’t happen alone.
To my family – thank you for every sacrifice, every late night, every moment you believed in me before anyone else did.
To my friends, teammates and coaches – thank you for being part of the grind and helping shape me into who I am today.
The University of North Carolina – thank you for the memories, the lessons and the brotherhood. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
I’m proud to say I’m taking the next step and declaring for the NBA Draft.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.”
Veesaar's time in Chapel Hill didn't last very long, but that was the intention when he transferred from Arizona. His goal was to earn a bigger role, capitalize on the court, and find his way to the professional basketball ranks.
He did that and much more, becoming one of the country's top overall big men while wearing the Carolina Blue uniform.
Of course, Tar Heel faithful dreamed of him returning to Chapel Hill for one more season, but the decision was made that now is the best time for him to pursue his lifelong dream. He will be difficult to replace in terms of production, but his leadership, determination and overall character will also be heavily missed.
Henri Veesaar is league ready, as this is just the beginning for him. We are all proud to say that North Carolina was a small chapter of this already incredible journey, one that has plenty of basketball left to be written about.
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