The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the Dean Smith Center tonight, and forward/center Henri Veesaar has already set the tone with a message that’s resonating across Chapel Hill. As No. 18 UNC prepares to take on N.C. Central, Veesaar made it clear: physicality and mentality will decide this matchup.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, Veesaar didn’t offer a direct prediction, but his words carried the weight of a player fully locked in. He emphasized that UNC needs to “hit first” — not literally, but in intensity, physicality, and presence on the court. For fans, that mindset sounds like a spark the Tar Heels intend to ignite early.
Coming off their win against Radford on November 12, the Tar Heels are still building momentum. While the victory added another mark in the win column, Veesaar believes the performance left room for improvement, especially in key areas that could become factors as the season progresses.
One issue he pinpointed was free throws, an area where UNC hasn’t always been consistent. Veesaar noted that missed opportunities at the line can shift momentum and stressed the need for sharper execution in these controllable moments.
Another concern he raised was emotional discipline. Veesaar warned against allowing opposing play styles, tough defensive pressure, or officiating decisions to throw the team off. According to him, maintaining composure is just as important as physical play.
But make no mistake — physicality remains his main point of emphasis. He recalled the advice of an old coach who always pushed him to “hit first,” a mentality he believes this UNC team must carry into every game. It’s about setting the tone, not reacting to it.
Veesaar explained that when the Tar Heels initiate physical energy early, the entire flow of the game shifts in their favor. He wants UNC to establish dominance from the tip-off, not wait until they’re pushed into it by the opposing team.
As UNC steps into the Smith Center tonight against N.C. Central, Veesaar’s words echo like a rallying cry. With the team sitting at No. 18 and aiming to climb higher, his leadership adds another layer of fire to an already motivated squad.
For Tar Heel fans, this matchup is more than just another non-conference game — it’s a chance to see whether the “hit first” mentality becomes UNC’s new identity moving forward.
