By R.L. Bynum
Veesaar’s Arrival at UNC
CHAPEL HILL — Henri Veesaar’s first impression upon entering the Smith Center was not centered on individual performance metrics. Instead, he was struck by the rich history evident from UNC’s championship seasons displayed leading up to Roy Williams Court.
Impressive Atmosphere
“The Final Four floors caught my attention the most,” said the Arizona transfer during Wednesday’s press conference. “Seeing how vast the gym is — 22,000 seats is insane. I can’t wait to play in front of that many people.”
A Journey to Chapel Hill
The 7-foot redshirt junior has taken a long journey to reach Chapel Hill. Raised in Tallinn, Estonia, he left home at 15 to join Real Madrid’s youth program. His skills later took him to Arizona, where he had an injury-filled career, including a freak elbow injury while on a golf cart.
College Stats and Performance
Last season, Veesaar played all 29 games off the bench, averaging 13.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per 40 minutes in limited playing time. His breakout performance included scoring 22 points with eight rebounds and three assists in a victory over rival Arizona State.
Choosing North Carolina
After Arizona’s season ended, Veesaar instantly considered transferring, motivated by the desire to reach the NBA. He was particularly influenced by Coach Hubert Davis and his staff’s extensive NBA experience. “They know what it takes,” Veesaar remarked. He did not visit any other schools and felt a strong connection during his tour of the campus.
Support from Teammates
A significant influence in Veesaar’s decision came from player Caleb Love. Their relationship formed at Arizona, and when Veesaar contemplated his next steps, Love’s insights proved invaluable. “Everything he said checked all the boxes,” Veesaar added.
Role at UNC
Davis aimed to enhance the team’s size, and bringing in Veesaar was crucial. He noted Veesaar’s natural fit for roles revolving around defense and rebounding while also praising his shot-blocking abilities. Veesaar anticipates a chance to expand his game at UNC, foreseeing a more efficient offense with the talented roster.
