UNC Bolsters Frontcourt with Commitment from Arizona Transfer Henri Veesaar
After a swift and determined recruitment, North Carolina has landed a major addition to its frontcourt. On Friday, 7-foot Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar committed to UNC, bringing a key interior presence the Tar Heels have sought throughout the offseason. The Estonian native, who has two years of eligibility remaining, adds a dynamic piece to Hubert Davis’s 2025–26 squad.
Veesaar entered the transfer portal on March 31, and UNC wasted no time showing its serious interest. The coaching staff moved quickly to bring him in for a visit before the NCAA’s recruiting dead period, signaling their all-in approach. That strategy paid off.
Although Veesaar wasn’t a regular starter at Arizona, his sophomore campaign showed real progress. He posted averages of 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor — hitting 32.7% from three — and work effectively in pick-and-roll situations makes him a rare stretch-five addition for Carolina.
With frontcourt depth thin heading into the offseason, Veesaar addresses multiple needs: size, mobility, and offensive versatility. He was clearly a priority for UNC among a competitive portal class and now heads to Chapel Hill as a pivotal roster piece. This marks a big win for Hubert Davis, shoring up a crucial part of the rotation. While UNC still has work to do, particularly at point guard, this move gives their offseason a strong foundation.
Former UNC Target Niko Bundalo Reopens Recruitment
Niko Bundalo, a 6-foot-10 forward who previously included UNC among his top schools, is back on the market. Last fall, the Prolific Prep standout listed North Carolina in his top four alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. In a surprise move, he committed to Washington — a school not on his earlier list.
Now, Bundalo has been released from his letter of intent, and his recruitment has reopened. Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite, Bundalo becomes one of the highest-rated uncommitted players in his class.
It’s unclear whether UNC will re-engage in his recruitment, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — largely influenced by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make UNC a natural contender again. The Tar Heels still have open roster spots available.
UNC in Contention for Five-Star 2026 Forward Anthony Thompson
UNC remains in the race for elite 2026 recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend. The 6-foot-8 small forward from Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) received an offer from Hubert Davis in January, and UNC has now made his shortlist.
Thompson’s list includes UNC, BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.
Thompson is currently ranked No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and the top prospect in Ohio by the 247Sports Composite. Known for his polished jumper and 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has drawn praise for his fluid shooting and all-around skill set.
UNC has been active in the 2026 cycle, offering over 10 scholarships so far and staying in the mix for top-tier national talent.
UNC Picks Up In-Conference Transfer in Virginia Tech Guard Jaydon Young
North Carolina added backcourt depth by landing a commitment from Virginia Tech transfer Jaydon Young. The 6-foot-4 guard from Goldsboro, N.C., made a major leap in his sophomore year with the Hokies.
Young averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 32 games last season, including 10 starts. Though his shooting percentages were modest (34.7% from the field and 29.6% from deep), he brings ACC experience and defensive toughness to the Tar Heels’ backcourt.
Ranked No. 354 overall and No. 84 among shooting guards in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings, Young is now part of a five-man UNC transfer class ranked No. 16 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC, trailing only Louisville.
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