UNC big man Henri Veesaar declares for 2026 NBA Draft

North Carolina big man Henri Veesaar is getting into 2026 NBA Drafta supply instructed CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. The 7-foot heart was a Second Team All-ACC choice after averaging 17.0 factors, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists whereas capturing over 42% from 3-point vary.

Veesaar is slotted at No. 26 within the CBS Sports NBA Draft prospect rankings. He is projected to be a late first-round choose, however now has an opportunity to go even increased after potential first-rounders like Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Duke’s Patrick Ngongba and UConn’s Braylon Mullins all introduced that they are going to return to varsity basketball subsequent season.

North Carolina had an enormous NIL contract on the desk for Veesaar, who would have been positioned to be the Preseason ACC Player of the Year in 2026-27. The big 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’s a crucial blow to North Carolina’s instant 2026-27 outlook below new coach Michael Malone. The Tar Heels have accomplished 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 Able. But Veesaar was positioned to be the top honcho.

Now Malone has to pivot to try to discover a alternative on the closing hour, and the choices within the heart market are slim. Arizona State’s Massamba Diop is the top-rated big man on the board, however Gonzaga and St. John’s are main gamers with a call looming shortly. Cincinnati switch Moustapha Thiam is one other big-time choice, however Michigan simply hosted the 7-foot shot-blocker for a go to.

Other potential choices for UNC may embody Georgetown switch Julius Halaifonua, Washington big man Franck Kepnang or Texas Tech switch Luke Bamgboye.

But time is operating out. Nearly 90 of the top-100 gamers in the 2026 transfer portal window have chosen their subsequent college.