For years, North Carolina basketball has been defined by its big men. From Tyler Hansbrough’s relentless energy to Sean May’s silky footwork, the Tar Heels built their reputation by owning the paint. But not long ago, UNC’s frontcourt was seen as its soft spot — a glaring weakness that left critics doubting whether the Tar Heels could compete for championships in the new era of college hoops.
That perception has flipped on its head. In 2025, UNC’s frontcourt is no longer a question mark. It’s an exclamation point — and the driving force behind Hubert Davis’ title ambitions. Thanks to the arrival of Henri Veesaar, Caleb Wilson, and Jarin Stevenson, the Heels now boast one of the most intimidating, versatile, and nationally recognized frontlines in all of college basketball.
The Days of Doubt
When Armando Bacot graduated, there was a sense of uncertainty in Chapel Hill. How do you replace the ACC’s all-time rebounding king? Who steps in to carry the inside scoring load? Rival fans taunted Carolina with chants that “the era of UNC big men was over.”
At the time, even die-hard Heels fans admitted the roster felt light in the paint. While the guards looked sharp, the frontcourt was thin and unproven. Critics labeled it a weakness.
But Hubert Davis had other plans.
The Rise of Henri Veesaar
Enter Henri Veesaar, the 7-footer from Estonia, a transfer who brought a rare blend of European skill and Carolina grit. At first, fans weren’t sure what to expect. But Veesaar quickly proved he wasn’t just a depth piece — he was a game-changer.
With his ability to stretch the floor, block shots, and run the floor like a wing, Veesaar gave UNC something it desperately needed: a modern big who fits today’s fast-paced, space-and-shoot game. Scouts love his versatility, and fans adore his toughness.
“Henri has been the backbone of this group,” Coach Davis said recently. “He’s not just filling a role, he’s redefining it.”
Caleb Wilson: The Freshman Phenomenon
If Veesaar is the steady anchor, Caleb Wilson is the firecracker. The freshman phenom came into Chapel Hill with five-star hype, and somehow he’s living up to it.
Wilson is explosive — a forward who attacks the rim with fury, rebounds out of his area, and plays with the kind of swagger that reminds Tar Heel Nation of young Harrison Barnes. His energy has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.
“Caleb plays every possession like it’s his last,” said a teammate. “He brings that dog mentality.”
He’s the future — and the present.
Jarin Stevenson: The Glue Guy Who Makes It Work
Every great frontcourt needs balance. That’s where Jarin Stevenson comes in. The versatile forward, who chose UNC over turning pro, has become the glue that makes the entire unit click.
Stevenson can guard multiple positions, knock down threes, and move the ball with unselfish poise. He doesn’t need to score 20 points to change the game; his presence makes everyone around him better.
Fans call him “the quiet killer,” and for good reason — his impact often shows up in winning plays more than in box scores.
From Weakness to Strength
Together, Veesaar, Wilson, and Stevenson have turned UNC’s frontcourt into the best in the ACC — and arguably one of the best in the nation.
They can stretch defenses with shooting.
They can dominate the glass.
They can switch defensively without giving up mismatches.
In short, they’ve given UNC its identity back.
Hubert Davis beams with pride when asked about them: “For a long time, people doubted this group. But now, the frontcourt is our heartbeat. They’ve brought back what Carolina Basketball is supposed to look like.”
The Bigger Picture
North Carolina’s frontcourt turnaround isn’t just a story about three players. It’s a story about tradition, resilience, and belief. When outsiders said UNC couldn’t produce elite big men anymore, the program doubled down on its identity.
Now, the Tar Heels enter the new season with national respect — not because of what they’ve lost, but because of what they’ve built. And with Veesaar’s skill, Wilson’s explosiveness, and Stevenson’s glue holding it all together, this team isn’t just chasing ACC dominance. They’re chasing banners.
In basketball, weaknesses don’t have to stay weaknesses. With the right mix of talent, coaching, and belief, they can become the greatest strength of all.
For UNC fans, the message is clear: the Tar Heels’ frontcourt is back — and it’s stronger than ever.
