UNC star spurns huge potential NIL pay day to remain in NBA draft
Henri Veesaar likely could have been one of the highest paid players in the country if he returned to school, but instead, he'll stay in the draft.
As UNC looks to build its 2026-27 roster under new coach Mike Malone, it won't be returning one of its key players from this past season. On Friday, center Henri Veesaar opted to remain in the 2026 NBA draft rather than return to the Tar Heels, according to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. Veesaar likely would have become one of the highest-paid players in college basketball had he stayed in Chapel Hill, but instead, he'll try his hand at being a first-round pick.
A transfer addition last offseason after three years at Arizona as a primarily rotational player, the 7-footer from Estonia started all 31 games he appeared in for North Carolina this season. He averaged 17 points and 8. 7 rebounds, earning Second Team All-ACC honors.
NEWS—Henri Veesaar is leaving UNC and intends to stay in the NBA Draft, source told @CBSSports . Avgd 17. 0 pts, 8.
7 rebs, shot ~42% from 3. Big domino on this NCAA draft declaration deadline day. Veesaar a potential 1st-rounder but will leave a big NIL💰 on the table as a result pic.