How a Star Big Man’s Departure Changes UNC’s Outlook in 2026
The North Carolina Tar Heels have been the talk of the NCAA basketball world this offseason. This storied program suffered an early tournament exit this past season. They then used this loss to try to get back into the national championship conversation. UNC fired its head coach, Hubert Davis, and brought in NBA champion Michael Malone. With questions about how Malone's skills would transfer to college basketball, he quickly dominated the transfer portal and built a true contender in Chapel Hill within weeks of his hire. Unfortunately, the Tar Heel’s offseason high just came crashing to the ground. Star big man Henri Veesar announced his decision to stay in the 2026 NBA Draft, leaving the Malone and the Tar Heels to pick up the pieces.
Make no mistake about it, this is a ginormous blow for North Carolina. The Estonian native was a huge offensive player last season for this Tar Heels squad and looked to be one of the main options for Malone once again this upcoming year. As a junior center, Veesar averaged 17 points and just under nine rebounds per game. He was a very efficient 60.8 percent from the field, including 42.6 percent from behind the arc. The second team All-ACC big man also tallied 13 doubles in his 2025-2026 campaign. This is a type of player that a team can not simply replace. His absence will certainly be felt.
Although his offensive game feels NBA-ready, his defense is not. These defensive struggles could allow him to slip later into the first round, possibly the second. According to Bleacher Reports, Johnathan Wasserman's mock draft, Veesar is projected to land with the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 28th pick in the draft. Wasserman stated, "He doesn't block many shots for a seven-footer, but offensively, he has become incredibly productive and efficient with a translatable and coveted inside-out scoring package."
Make no mistake about it, this decision was made by no one but himself. The standout center stated in an interview with ESPN's Jeff Borzello, "It's 100 percent my decision to stay. I think it's the right decision, basketball-wise." The Ex-Tar Heel is no stranger to professional basketball, having spent time in Europe playing for Real Madrid's youth team. Veesar turned down millions in NIL deals to go to the NBA, knowing it would be the best place to grow as a ballplayer.
This departure leaves a hole in the front court for the Tar Heels. This is an issue that Coach Malone will have to solve swiftly. So, where do they go from here? The answer may come from overseas. Malone and the Tar Heels have been linked to multiple big men. Senegalese center Mohamed Faye is most likely their top option. A near seven-foot monster with experience in multiple professional European leagues. Faye not only brings basketball experience but would also add veteran wisdom to the locker room.
North Carolina may also choose to go the development route. 17-year-old Sayon Keita is a wonderful second option. A young European ballplayer for FC Barcelona, this athletic big man is averaging 14 points and nine rebounds per game in just 21 minutes. Many believe his upside is substantial, as he has drawn attention from some of the nation's top programs. Keita recently announced his final six schools: UNC, Duke, Kansas, Indiana, UConn, and Kentucky. A very strong list for a European player. While he is still young, this is another viable option to replace their star center.
Overall, the Tar Heels have had a wonderful offseason, bringing in their coach of the future and some impactful transfers. They recently experienced their first bump in the road during the Malone era with the unexpected departure of star big man Henri Veesar. As a loaded offensive threat, UNC's roster now looks a little different than originally anticipated. Malone is left to try to find the perfect piece to complete this already dangerous roster.
