The NBA Draft is just around the corner on June 23, and the excitement is building for two Tar Heels stars who are projected to hear their names called in the first round. Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar have officially declared for the draft, and according to USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft, both are expected to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Caleb Wilson, who made a name for himself before his final game at Miami (FL), has been a force to reckon with. Averaging an impressive 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, his dominant play has caught the attention of scouts league-wide. In the mock draft, Wilson is projected to go third overall to the Brooklyn Nets—a team in need of a dynamic young talent to build around.
Henri Veesaar, on the other hand, has taken a different path to the draft. After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, the 7-foot Estonian big man has blossomed, posting career-highs of 17 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His versatility and efficiency—whether scoring at the rim, knocking down threes, or facilitating as a passer—have made him a first-round lock. The mock draft has him going 27th overall to the Boston Celtics, a team that values players who can step in and contribute right away.
What makes this even more compelling is the context behind their rise. Despite Wilson missing the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb—his second hand fracture of the season—his draft stock hasn't taken a hit. As one general manager told Jake Fischer, “every team” would take Wilson over some of the top prospects like Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. Veesaar, meanwhile, had a tough decision: return to UNC or enter the draft. Reports indicate he was offered “at least $6 million” to stay in the transfer portal, but his NBA-ready skillset made the choice clear.
For Tar Heels fans, seeing Wilson and Veesaar go from college standouts to potential first-round picks is both thrilling and bittersweet. These two former frontcourt mates have proven that hard work and growth can lead to the biggest stage. Whether they end up with the Nets, Celtics, or another team, their journey is a testament to the talent coming out of Chapel Hill.