North Carolina huge man Henri Veesaar is coming into the 2026 NBA Draft, a supply instructed CBS Sports activities’ Matt Norlander. The 7-foot heart was a Second Group All-ACC choice after averaging 17.0 factors, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists whereas taking pictures over 42% from 3-point vary.
Veesaar is slotted at No. 26 within the CBS Sports activities NBA Draft prospect rankings. He’s projected to be a late first-round decide, however now has an opportunity to go even larger after potential first-rounders like Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Duke’s Patrick Ngongba and UConn’s Braylon Mullins all introduced that they may return to school basketball subsequent season.
North Carolina had a large NIL contract on the desk for Veesaar, who would have been positioned to be the Preseason ACC Participant of the Yr in 2026-27. The large man nonetheless has the choice to return to UNC, however he’s anticipated to remain within the NBA Draft, barring a change of coronary heart.
It is a essential blow to North Carolina’s instant 2026-27 outlook below new coach Michael Malone. The Tar Heels have completed yeoman’s work within the portal, reeling in three top-50 transfers in Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas, Utah’s Terrence Brown and NC State’s Matt In a position. However Veesaar was positioned to be the top honcho.
Now Malone has to pivot to try to discover a alternative on the ultimate hour, and the choices within the heart market are slim. Arizona State’s Massamba Diop is the top-rated huge man on the board, however Gonzaga and St. John’s are main gamers with a choice looming shortly. Cincinnati switch Moustapha Thiam is one other big-time possibility, however Michigan simply hosted the 7-foot shot-blocker for a go to.
Different potential choices for UNC may embrace Georgetown switch Julius Halaifonua, Washington huge man Franck Kepnang or Texas Tech switch Luke Bamgboye.
However time is operating out. Practically 90 of the top-100 gamers in the 2026 switch portal window have chosen their subsequent college.