While this season didn't unfold the way the North Carolina Tar Heels had hoped, the team still touted a lot of elite players who have undeniably bright futures, both in college and in the NBA.
One of those stars was starting center Henri Veesaar, who is likely set to announce his departure from Chapel Hill for the 2026 NBA Draft after averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Now, whoever UNC hires as its next head coach will have big shoes (literally and metaphorically) to fill in Veesaar's wake, who transferred to play for the Tar Heels himself. One big man, who has already announced his intent to enter the transfer portal, should be one of the Heels' top targets: Andrew McKeever.
Andrew McKeever could fill Henri Veesaar's shoes perfectly
Leading the entire West Coast Conference in rebounds, McKeever eventually earned the starting role for the Saint Mary's Gaels, contributing 8.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
At 7-foot-2 and 285 pounds, McKeever is genuinely gargantuan, even boasting two inches and 60 pounds on Veesaar's already-massive frame.
Also read: UNC fans face a bittersweet reality as Henri Veesaar's draft stock rises
Rated as a four-star transfer prospect with a 91.0 overall grade, McKeever is the highest-graded center in the transfer portal, well ahead of former Charleston star Chol Machot, former Charlotte center Anton Bonke, and more.
This 7’2 mammoth just entered the transfer portal
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) March 30, 2026
Led the WCC in Rebounds
May be the highest paid guy in the country next season with the need for Big Men
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While the Tar Heels are obviously focused on finding and hiring their next head coach, in the wake of parting ways with Hubert Davis, ensuring that their team is rebuilt and intact for next season is critical as well.
The men's college basketball transfer portal officially opens on April 7, following the National Championship game, and remains open for 15 days. In that stretch, players must officially decide whether to throw their names in the portal or not.
On April 7, programs and head coaches can also start contacting players in the portal, but can officially recruit them until they commitment and close their renewed recruitment process.