The 2026 NBA Draft is heating up, and two former North Carolina Tar Heels are making serious noise as projected first-round picks. With the draft combine just around the corner in Chicago, scouts and fans alike are buzzing about the talent coming out of Chapel Hill.

Caleb Wilson, who turned heads during his freshman season at UNC, is being mocked as a top-five selection. ESPN's Jeremy Woo has the versatile forward going fourth overall to the Utah Jazz. Despite dealing with a pair of hand injuries during the season, Wilson's stock hasn't dipped at all—lottery teams are still debating how his raw athleticism and upside compare to other top prospects like the more polished Cooper Flagg. "He will have an opportunity to make his case in predraft workouts, where his athletic gifts should stand out," Woo notes, adding that Wilson's shooting and skill level will be key areas to watch. For a Jazz team that could use a long-term centerpiece, Wilson fits the bill perfectly.

But Wilson isn't the only Tar Heel generating first-round buzz. Henri Veesaar, who made the tough call to forgo his senior season at Carolina and enter the draft, is also projected to hear his name called early. Woo has the 7-footer landing at No. 25 overall with the Los Angeles Lakers. Veesaar's decision was driven by strong feedback from NBA teams, and it's easy to see why—he posted a productive season in Chapel Hill, showcasing impressive size and a reliable outside shot, hitting 42.6% from beyond the arc. In a draft that's thin on true centers, his combination of length and shooting touch makes him a valuable commodity.

Both players will have the chance to solidify their draft stock at the combine, where they'll join fellow UNC product and transfer portal commit Matt Able. For Tar Heels fans, it's an exciting time to see their guys poised to make an impact at the next level. Whether you're rocking a Wilson or Veesaar jersey, one thing's for sure—the future of Carolina basketball is shining bright on the NBA stage.