The North Carolina Tar Heels are hoping to add another piece to their roster this upcoming season as center has become a bigger need than expected. After Henri Veesaar opted to go to the NBA Draft, North Carolina has to fill that role.

And they have their eyes on some international prospects.

Among them is seven-foot center Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje out of Spain, who plays at FC Barcelona. The Tar Heels are hoping to land the talented recruit but now, they have some tough and familiar competition. Along with North Carolina, the Duke Blue Devils are also in pursuit of Boumtje Boumtje.

Reports suggest that Duke has entered the mix to pursue the talented 16-year-old who is drawing a lot of attention overseas. This could shape up to be a big blue blood battle on Tobacco Road as both teams are in need of a frontcourt star.

However, there's also no guarantee he goes to college, either. He could continue to play overseas and then enter the NBA Draft when eligible. This should be a fun recruitment to watch and it could be the first big battle between Michael Malone and Jon Scheyer.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Duke also showing interest in big international player