North Carolina Shorthanded Against Syracuse

Key Tar Heels players out or questionable for Saturday's matchup

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:07am

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The North Carolina Tar Heels will be without star freshman Caleb Wilson and may also be missing sophomore center Henri Veesaar when they take on the Syracuse Orange on Saturday. Wilson suffered a broken left hand in the team's recent loss to Miami, while Veesaar is listed as questionable due to a lower-body injury.

Why it matters

North Carolina's frontcourt duo of Wilson and Veesaar combined for 39 points and 20 rebounds in the teams' first meeting earlier this month, so their potential absences could significantly impact the Tar Heels' chances of winning the rematch.

The details

Wilson averages 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, while Veesaar averages 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 blocks. In their absence, Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High have stepped up for the North Carolina frontcourt.

  • Wilson suffered his broken hand on Feb. 10 in North Carolina's loss at Miami.
  • Veesaar has missed the last two games for the Tar Heels.
  • Veesaar returned to practice on Friday, but his status for Saturday's game is still questionable.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A star freshman for North Carolina who is averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.

Henri Veesaar

A sophomore center for North Carolina who is averaging 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

Jarin Stevenson

A 6-foot-10 sophomore who has stepped up for the North Carolina frontcourt in Wilson and Veesaar's absences, averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last three games.

Zayden High

A 6-foot-10 sophomore who has averaged 14.0 points and 8.5 rebounds on 65% shooting since moving into the starting lineup two games ago.

Donnie Freeman

A Syracuse starter who had 23 points and 8 rebounds in the teams' first meeting.

William Kyle III

A Syracuse starter who had 2 points and 6 rebounds in the teams' first meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win without our two best big men, but it won't be easy against a tough Syracuse team.”

— Hubert Davis, North Carolina Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

North Carolina's frontcourt depth will be tested against Syracuse, as the Tar Heels look to overcome the potential absences of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. The team's ability to adjust and get production from players like Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High could be the key to securing a victory.