We’ve officially hit the home stretch of the college basketball season, and in Chapel Hill, one name has emerged as a game-changer: Henri Veesaar.
When North Carolina brought in the 7-footer from Arizona via the transfer portal last summer, expectations were hopeful but measured. After all, Veesaar had shown flashes in Tucson, but never quite broke through-zero double-doubles in 66 games doesn’t exactly scream “future centerpiece.” Fast forward to February, and Veesaar hasn’t just turned a corner-he’s blown the doors off.
Through 22 games, Veesaar leads the ACC in double-doubles with 12, and UNC is a staggering 11-1 in those matchups. That’s not just production-that’s impact.
He’s not just filling a role, he’s shaping outcomes. In a conference known for its physicality and frontcourt talent, Veesaar is standing taller than most, both literally and figuratively.
What’s made his leap so striking is how seamlessly he’s fit into this Tar Heels squad. His chemistry with star freshman Caleb Wilson has been one of the season’s most pleasant surprises.
Wilson brings the flash and scoring punch, while Veesaar anchors the paint, cleans the glass, and alters shots on the defensive end. It’s a classic inside-out combo that’s giving opposing teams headaches.
But Veesaar’s value goes even deeper than the box score. Advanced metrics show a significant drop-off in UNC’s performance when he’s off the floor.
We’re talking about one of the top 10 players in the country in terms of team efficiency swing. That’s elite territory-where you’re not just a good player, you’re essential to your team’s identity.
So it’s no surprise that Veesaar has landed on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Mid-Season Top 10 Watch List, an honor reserved for the best centers in college basketball. Since its inception in 2015, the award has recognized dominant big men who control both ends of the floor. Veesaar’s name is now in that conversation-and it belongs there.
If he keeps this up, Veesaar could become the first ACC player to ever take home the award. And with a tough stretch of games ahead that will keep the spotlight firmly on the Tar Heels, the stage is set for him to make a national statement.
For a player who arrived in Chapel Hill as a question mark, Henri Veesaar has become one of the defining answers of this college basketball season.