Tar Heel Stars Face NBA Draft Decisions

Caleb Wilson projected as top-5 pick, while Henri Veesaar weighs first vs. second round options

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:18pm

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North Carolina stars Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar face differing NBA Draft decisions, with Wilson projected as a top-5 pick and Veesaar on the first-round bubble. Wilson is expected to forgo his remaining college eligibility, while Veesaar is weighing whether to turn pro or return to Chapel Hill for another season.

Why it matters

The NBA Draft decisions of Wilson and Veesaar will have major implications for North Carolina's roster next season, as the Tar Heels look to build on their recent success and make another deep NCAA Tournament run.

The details

ESPN's latest mock draft has Wilson projected at No. 4 overall, which would make him the first Tar Heel selected in the top 5 since 2005. Veesaar is listed at No. 36, putting him on the first-round bubble. A first-round selection would guarantee Veesaar a multi-year contract, while a second-round pick would leave his professional future more uncertain.

  • Wilson had a record-breaking freshman season at North Carolina in 2025-26.
  • The 2023 NBA Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A standout freshman forward for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Wilson is projected as a top-5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Henri Veesaar

A sophomore forward for the Tar Heels, Veesaar is weighing whether to enter the NBA Draft or return to North Carolina for another season.

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What they’re saying

“Caleb Wilson has done enough to sit safely among the top picks even without taking the court again. NBA teams have penciled him in as a top-four selection.”

— Jeremy Woo, ESPN Analyst

“I'll make the decision after the season ends. I haven't thought about it yet. I'll see where I stand at the end of the season and what my performances have been like. Right now I'm 100 percent focused on finishing the season in the best possible way.”

— Henri Veesaar

“March Madness could have quite a big impact on my decision. There are a lot of scouts at every game, and in those matches they see how well players can perform under pressure. If the team goes further, you obviously rise in NBA mock drafts. And if the team loses right away, you might drop a bit.”

— Henri Veesaar

What’s next

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The takeaway

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