It’s now official that Henri Veesaar will not be returning to Chapel Hill, as he has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and plans to keep his name firmly in the pool.
That decision forces Michael Malone and the Tar Heels to adjust quickly. Frontcourt help is hard to come by right now, and while there are a few options available in the transfer portal, none offer a one-for-one replacement for what Veesaar brought to the floor. Replicating his impact may require a collective effort rather than a single addition.
With domestic options limited, North Carolina could turn its attention overseas to address its need for size and depth in the paint. With that in mind, here are four international prospects who could emerge as potential solutions for the Tar Heels:
Sayon Keita
North Carolina has been tracking Keita since last summer, when the 7-foot big man from Barcelona made official visits to six of college basketball’s premier programs.
A member of the Class of 2027, Keita has long been viewed as a possible reclassification candidate, a path that would align well with UNC’s current needs. Offensively, he is still developing, but he shows strong touch and efficiency around the rim, with the ability to establish deep post position. He’s also an effective lob target, a skill set that would thrive in UNC’s pick-and-roll-heavy offense. Defensively, Keita stands out as a high-level rim protector, making him an appealing all-around option.
If the Tar Heels are prioritizing a true interior presence, Keita may sit at the very top of their target list.
Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje
Another standout from Barcelona, Boumtje-Boumtje brings a 7-foot, 230-pound frame along with a polished post game.
Considered a top-20 big man in the 2027 class, he offers more than just interior scoring. His ability to step out and stretch the floor would give Malone added flexibility offensively as he looks to replace Veesaar’s production. At the same time, Boumtje-Boumtje is comfortable operating on the block, providing UNC with a versatile, multi-faceted frontcourt option.
Mouhamed “Momo” Faye
The 6-foot-10 Senegalese big man projects more as a long-term development piece, but his upside is intriguing.
There’s enough raw ability in Faye’s game for Sean May to mold him into a reliable rotation contributor. He plays with strength and physicality, thriving in the paint as a rebounder and defender. While he isn’t especially polished offensively, his value comes from doing the dirty work—setting screens, protecting the rim, and running the floor—which could make him a useful piece over the course of a season.
Luigi Suigo
Suigo has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and intends to go through the evaluation process, but that doesn’t mean UNC shouldn’t keep the door open. A simple expression of interest could position Chapel Hill as an attractive fallback option should his plans change.
At 7-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Suigo brings rare size and physical presence, drawing comparisons to towering interior anchors of the past. A player with his dimensions could immediately alter the look and effectiveness of North Carolina’s frontcourt, giving the Tar Heels a potentially game-changing interior force.