The University of North Carolina’s prized recruit, freshman Caleb Wilson, looks to be part of the renaissance in Chapel Hill. After what many would consider a down season by the Tar Heels’ standard, the freshman wants to lead the change.
One of the most important issues that plagued Carolina was the lack of size, which translated to rebounding and defensive woes. Along with Wilson, the Tar Heels landed seven-footer Henri Veesaar from the transfer portal. The former Arizona Wildcat looks to give the Tar Heels a better way forward.
UNC Freshman Caleb Wilson Looks to Build On-Court Chemistry with Henri Veesaar
Despite finishing at 23-14, a record envied by more than a few teams, the Tar Heels’ season fell flat in the eyes of some. Two of UNC’s most significant problem areas were rebounding, especially offensive rebounding, and rim protection.
For example, according to College Basketball Reference, North Carolina averaged 9.8 offensive rebounds last season, ranking them 244th out of 364 Division 1 teams. Similarly, blocked shots also did not go the Tar Heels’ way. UNC blocked 3.6 shots a game, sitting 120th in the nation.
To combat this, head coach Hubert Davis hit the transfer portal and recruiting, with a mission: get frontcourt help. The Tar Heels landed Henri Veesaar, a former Arizona center, from Estonia, and five-star recruit Caleb Wilson (Atlanta, Ga.).
Building talent in the paint opens up everything else. As a result, chemistry is essential between the players. Wilson guested on the Go Heels YouTube channel, discussing working with a center like Veesaar.
“I want to be able to be unpredictable on the court, especially at my size. And then I do a lot of work in the mid-range with floaters and things like that because playing with Henri, a seven-footer, I’ve never played with someone that big before. ”
” I want to be able to reward him when he seals and gets a good duck in or he spaces out, by throwing him a lob and being able to do that every time I want to. when I see the opportunity.”
Wilson is referring to the two-man game. If Veesaar sets a seal screen, which cuts off whoever is guarding Wilson, the freshman should get to the basket within. Similarly, unclipping the middle by taking your defender away from the open gives Wilson ample space to move and score without a glut of bodies between himself and the basket.
In return, Veesaar will see open looks via passes and high-percentage shots that he will not need to work harder for.
Wilson and Veesaar could solve North Carolina’s paint issue. If they are successful, how far can they carry the team?
