Basketball

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) bites his jersey against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Veesaar’s draft stock has taken a slight dive this week.

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Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Wilson is coming off of a season-ending wrist injury.

Here are a couple of reasons why the Tar Heels need to start Keita at center in 2026.

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; View of the team logos in a hallway after the game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels will be facing multiple elite SEC teams early in the season.

Wilson is projected to land in the top-five of the draft this summer.

Feb 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) looks on prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Wilson has been rumored to be drafted by the Chicago Bulls all offseason.

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) scores as Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis (11) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Matt Able passed on the NBA Draft to spend a season in Chapel Hill. Will it pay off?

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Wilson is a top talent in this year’s draft.

Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 2026 season hasn't started yet, but Michael Malone is already looking ahead. These three elite 2027 prospects could become major priorities for North Carolina's future.

Here are five individuals who have lofty expectations in Chapel Hill next season.

Wilson is projected to be a top-five pick at this year’s draft.

Feb 21, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Neoklis Avdalas (17) points to the fans after dunking the ball against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Tar Heel fans should be ecstatic based on what we are hearing about one of the team's marquee transfer portal acquisitions this offseason.

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) and Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis (11) fight for the ball in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The ACC is loaded with talent once again. Here are the five games that could present the biggest challenge for North Carolina in Michael Malone’s first season.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels were not included in these latest 2026 college basketball rankings.

NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) watches the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Jestin Porter (1) Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, during the NCAA men’s basketball game at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina.

Here are a few examples of what was said in Chapel Hill that give a glimpse of what type of offseason the Tar Heels have gone through heading into the 2026 season.

Feb 28, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Brown is one of the team’s best pickups this offseason.

Mar 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith (25) drives the ball around NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) during the second half at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

The early portion of the Tar Heels' schedule will be monumental heading into conference play.

Here is a deep dive into areas the Tar Heels need to improve to avoid being exposed by top teams in the conference.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels are earning some national recognition this week.

Not everything went wrong for North Carolina last season. These four statistical strengths could give Michael Malone a strong foundation heading into year one.