The UNC men’s basketball program received bad news on Friday: Star center Henri Veesaar declared for this year’s NBA draft. Needing an experienced, dominant big man for their 2025-26 season, the Tar Heels landed Veesaar from Arizona in the transfer portal. Veesaar thrived as a full-time starter, averaging career bests of 17 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 42.6% from deep.
Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, who also declared for the draft, formed the country’s best frontcourt duo. Wilson sprained his wrist in a loss to Miami and then broke his thumb ahead of the second UNC-Duke game, further emphasizing Veesaar’s importance to North Carolina’s roster.
Tar Heel Nation hoped for Veesaar’s return given there is no guarantee he’ll be a first-round pick. But you can’t blame the big man for his decision. NBA teams should covet Veesaar for his abilities to stretch the floor, rebound with ease, throw down big dunks and play every moment with passion.
In Chapel Hill, there’s a greater issue that UNC needs to address: Who will be its next starting center. There are few options on the Tar Heels roster, meaning the portal is their best bet.
As North Carolina explores solutions to this gaping hole on its roster, let’s dive into five centers coach Michael Malone should target:
Massamba Diop – Arizona State
If UNC wants another tall, imposing center opponents can’t take their eyes off, the 7-foot-1 Diop needs to be a top priority in Chapel Hill.
Just a freshman, Diop quickly proved himself as a top, young big man in college basketball last season. He averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the Sun Devils (17-16). The Tar Heels lack a true shot-blocker on their roster. Diop provides that and Power Four starting experience.
Damon Wilkinson – South Dakota State
North Carolina should also look toward mid-major programs for its next big man. Wilkinson, a 6-foot-10 center from South Dakota State, is a good place to start. Wilkinson stepped into a starting role last year and averaged a career-best 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Wilson ended his sophomore season with eight consecutive double-figure scoring games.
Aaron Bradshaw – Memphis Tigers
Bradshaw entered Kentucky as part of another heralded recruiting class in 2023, but then transferred to Ohio State after one season. Recently completing his junior campaign at Memphis, Bradshaw is looking for his fourth home in four seasons.
Bradshaw stands 7 feet, 1 inch, offering the height UNC desperately needs once again. In 22 starts (29 appearances) for the Tigers last season, Bradshaw averaged career highs of 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He showcased his shooting abilities (53.6% FG, 33.3% 3PT FG, 77.2% FT). If the Tar Heels want a talented big man yet to unlock his potential, Bradshaw should be their next target.
Baba Miller – Cincinnati Bearcats
If Miller can gain a fifth year of eligibility, he immediately goes to the top of North Carolina’s list.
The 6-foot-11 Miller is familiar with ACC basketball; he began his career with two seasons at Florida State. Miller transferred to Florida Atlantic for a season and spent his senior campaign with Cincinnati. Miller averaged 13 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last year. UNC got double-doubles on a regular basis from Wilson and Veesaar.
Miikka Muurinen – Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
Muurinen to the Tar Heels makes plenty of sense. The 6-foot-11 forward, who played with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, included North Carolina in his final seven when coming out of Arizona Compass Prep. There’s already a family connection to UNC. Muurinen’s mother, Jenni Laaksonen, played under coach Sylvia Hatchell in the 2001-02 and 02-03 seasons.
Muurinen is a raw, talented prospect who can be a difference maker from Day 1. If they haven’t already, the Tar Heels should revisit Muurinen as their next big man.
