He’s the player to be named later in the Caleb Love trade
Two years ago, Arizona picked up a player from the NCAA transfer portal who was looking for a different opportunity after three seasons at North Carolina. It worked out pretty good for both Caleb Love and the Wildcats.
But the Chapel Hill-to-Tucson pipeline flows both ways, as former UA center has committed to UNC after three seasons at Arizona.
BREAKING: Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar has committed to North Carolina. The 7-foot Estonian is one of the best available big men in the portal. Important frontcourt addition for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels. pic.twitter.com/XNU83ZNeIu
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 4, 2025
The 7-foot Veesaar is the first of Arizona’s four players in the portal to land elsewhere. He joins a North Carolina program that lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (after being in the First Four) and must replace half its rotation, much like the UA.
Veesaar had a breakout year for Arizona as a redshirt sophomore, averaging 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game. He started five times but mostly came off the bench.
After missing the 2023-24 season with an elbow injury Veesaar had 16 double-figure scoring games including 13 against Duke in the Sweet 16. His career high was 22 against ASU in the home finale.
With Veesaar officially gone and freshman center Emmanuel Stephen in the portal, Arizona’s frontcourt currently consists of Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas and Carter Bryant, though Bryant is expected to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft
Arizona has signed 5-star forward Dwayne Aristode and has a commitment from 5-star forward Koa Peat. The Wildcats are also expected to pick up several players in the portal to fill out the 2025-26 roster, with at least one likely to be for the frontcourt.