UNC Basketball Center Henri Veesaar Sidelined vs Pitt

Veesaar dealing with illness and lower-body issue, will not start against Panthers

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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UNC basketball starting center Henri Veesaar will not be in the starting lineup for the Tar Heels' game against Pitt. Veesaar has been dealing with an illness since the team's trip to Miami, as well as a lower-extremity issue. He went through pregame warmups but did not participate in drills and will sit out the game against the Panthers.

Why it matters

Veesaar's absence is a significant blow for the 11th-ranked Tar Heels, as he is averaging a double-double this season with 16.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. UNC is already down to just three healthy post players with Veesaar and freshman Caleb Wilson sidelined.

The details

Veesaar, a 7-foot center, has started all 24 games for UNC this season. He went through pregame stretching but did not participate in drills or layup lines before the game against Pitt. With Veesaar and Wilson out, the Tar Heels will start Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High in the frontcourt.

  • Veesaar has been dealing with the illness since UNC returned from its trip to Miami.
  • The Tar Heels are taking on Pitt on February 14, 2026.

The players

Henri Veesaar

UNC basketball's starting center, averaging a double-double this season with 16.4 points and 9 rebounds per game.

Jarin Stevenson

UNC basketball player who will start in the frontcourt with Zayden High in Veesaar's absence.

Zayden High

UNC basketball player who will start in the frontcourt with Jarin Stevenson in Veesaar's absence.

Caleb Wilson

UNC basketball freshman who is out with a fractured left hand.

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What’s next

The 11th-ranked Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4 ACC) will look to improve to 15-0 at the Smith Center with a victory against the Panthers (9-16, 2-10).

The takeaway

Veesaar's absence is a significant setback for the Tar Heels, who are already thin in the frontcourt. UNC will need strong performances from Stevenson and High to overcome the loss of their starting center against Pitt.