In the world of college basketball, it's not every day you see a seven-foot center being the linchpin of a team’s offensive spacing. Yet, that's exactly the role Henri Veesaar plays for North Carolina.
The junior center, with his impressive 44.8 percent shooting from three-point range on 2.8 attempts per game, has been a key asset for the Tar Heels. Unfortunately, Veesaar has been sidelined recently due to the flu and a lower-body injury, and his absence has been keenly felt.
In a tough 82-58 loss to NC State, the Tar Heels struggled mightily without Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, shooting just 15.2 percent from beyond the arc (5-33) - their worst performance from three this season. Typically, UNC hits threes at a 33.5 percent rate, but without Veesaar, that number has plummeted to 28.9 percent.
As the Tar Heels prepare for their Saturday matchup against Syracuse, Veesaar’s status remains uncertain. However, Syracuse's defensive vulnerabilities might just be what UNC needs to reignite their shooting.
Syracuse is facing its own challenges, heading toward a fifth consecutive year without a tournament appearance. This has put coach Adrian Autry on the hot seat, potentially leading to the program’s first coaching change since Jim Boeheim took over in 1976.
A significant issue for Syracuse has been their three-point defense. The last encounter with UNC saw the Tar Heels, with both Veesaar and Wilson healthy, shoot 44.4 percent from deep in an 87-77 victory.
Since then, Syracuse's defensive issues have only worsened, allowing opponents to shoot 40.7 percent from three over their last five games. This includes a rough outing against Duke, where the Blue Devils hit 60 percent from beyond the arc.
The return of Veesaar could be pivotal for UNC. Even with Seth Trimble struggling to find his range since his game-winning shot against Duke, and Wilson still nursing a hand injury, Veesaar’s presence could help stabilize the Tar Heels' offense.
If he remains out, UNC will need to capitalize on Syracuse’s porous three-point defense to regain their shooting touch. Zayden High, stepping up in Veesaar’s absence, has struggled from deep, going 1-10 this season and 1-18 in his career.
Coach Hubert Davis finds himself short on shooters, especially in the front court. Without Wilson, he’s also missing his top isolation scorer. While NC State highlighted UNC’s offensive struggles, Syracuse might offer the Tar Heels a much-needed opportunity to bounce back.