North Carolina has struck again in the transfer portal, securing a commitment from Arizona big man Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot Estonian forward announced his decision Sunday, giving head coach Hubert Davis a much-needed boost to the Tar Heels’ frontcourt ahead of the 2024–25 season.
Veesaar, a former four-star recruit and a member of the Estonian national team, spent the past two seasons at Arizona, where he flashed his potential as a versatile, skilled big man. With two years of eligibility remaining, Veesaar arrives in Chapel Hill poised to play a major role on a Tar Heel team reloading for another deep March run.
“I’m extremely excited to join the North Carolina basketball family,” Veesaar said in a social media post. “This is an opportunity to grow, compete at the highest level, and help bring championships back to Chapel Hill.”
At 7-foot and 220 pounds, Veesaar brings a rare blend of size, shooting touch, and mobility. Though his minutes were limited at Arizona due to depth in the frontcourt, he showed flashes of what makes him such an intriguing player — from smooth jumpers to high-IQ passing and rim protection.
During his time with the Wildcats, Veesaar averaged 4.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and nearly a block per game in just under 10 minutes per contest. Despite the limited role, scouts and analysts believe his game translates well to a more expanded opportunity — something UNC can provide with several frontcourt vacancies.
“Henri is a really skilled big,” said one ACC scout. “He can stretch the floor, he’s got good instincts as a passer, and he’s improved defensively. In the right system, he can be a difference-maker.”
That system may be North Carolina’s. With the departure of veteran bigs and the potential for a younger, more versatile frontcourt, Veesaar gives the Tar Heels a modern stretch-5 or 4 option who fits perfectly into Hubert Davis’ pace-and-space offense. His shooting touch extends out to the three-point line, and his international experience adds a level of maturity and poise uncommon for players his age.
Veesaar originally came to Arizona as one of Europe’s top prospects, playing for Real Madrid’s youth academy in Spain before making the leap to college basketball. His international background and understanding of team concepts make him a natural fit for UNC’s style of play.
“Coach Davis and I had great conversations about how I can be used and how I can grow as a player and person,” Veesaar said. “It just felt like the right place.”
The commitment also reflects North Carolina’s growing success in navigating the transfer portal. After landing key veterans like Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram last season, Davis and his staff are continuing to identify high-upside players who can both fill immediate needs and develop into stars.
With Henri Veesaar now in the fold, the Tar Heels have addressed a major need in the post. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could become a key piece in UNC’s quest to return to the Final Four.