The UNC men's basketball program received some bad news on Friday, as star center Henri Veesaar officially 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 in his first year as a full-time starter, averaging career-bests of 17 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 42.6 percent from deep.
Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, who also recently declared for the NBA Draft, formed the country's best frontcourt duo. Wilson sprained his wrist in a loss to Miami, then later broke his thumb leading up to Round Two of UNC-Duke, further emphasizing Veesaar's importance to North Carolina's roster.
Tar Heel Nation hoped for Veesaar's return, with 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 playing every moment with passion.
In Chapel Hill, there's a greater issue that UNC needs to address: finding its next starting center. There's already minimal options currently on the Tar Heels, but the portal is their best bet.
As North Carolina explores this gaping hole on its roster, let's dive into five centers head coach Michael Malone should be targeting:
If UNC wants another tall, imposing center opponents can't take their eyes off, the 7'1" 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, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the 17-16 Sun Devils.
The Tar Heels lack a true shot-blocker on their current roster. Diop carries both that and starting, Power Four experience.
North Carolina should also look towards mid-major programs for its next big man. Wilkinson, a 6'10" center from South Dakota State, is a good place to start.
Wilkinson stepped into a starting role last year, averaging 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.
Bradshaw entered Kentucky as part of another heralded recruiting class in 2023, then transferred to Ohio State. Recently completing his junior campaign at Memphis, Bradshaw is looking for his fourth home in four seasons.
Bradshaw stands at 7'1", 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, while showcasing 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 full potential, Bradshaw should be their next target.
If Miller can gain a fifth year of eligibility, he immediately goes to the top of North Carolina's list.
The 6'11" Miller is familiar with ACC basketball, beginning his career with two seasons at Florida State. Miller then 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.
Muurinen to the Tar Heels makes plenty of sense. The 6'11" forward, who played with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, included North Carolina in his final seven out of Arizona Compass Prep.
There's already a family connection to UNC. Muurinen's mother, Jenni Laaksonen, played under Sylvia Hatchell's watch in the 2001-02 and 02-03 seasons.
Muurinen is a raw, talented prospect who can be a difference maker from day one. If they haven't already, the Tar Heels should re-visit Muurinen as their next big man.