Henri Veesaar sat down with reporters for the first time as a Tar Heel on Wednesday, but the Estonian big man quickly turned the spotlight to someone else. When asked about his initial impressions of five-star freshman Caleb Wilson, Veesaar’s eyes lit up with genuine excitement.
How Did Caleb Wilson Surprise Henri Veesaar in Early Practices?
North Carolina forward Henri Veesaar met with reporters for the first time as a Tar Heel on Wednesday and immediately turned the attention to freshman Caleb Wilson. Asked about his first impressions of the five-star prospect, Veesaar admitted that Wilson surprised him with skills he had not anticipated.
“I would say when he first got here, like I knew he was a great player, but just his ability to read a game and like how good of a passer he is, I had no clue about,” Veesaar said. “And just like the first couple practices, I was in awe and I was like, ‘This is great playing with him being on the same team because he was throwing me lobs.'”
Wilson’s court vision became even more apparent during fast-break situations. Veesaar said the freshman’s vision stood out immediately in transition.
“He could see like fast break, he would push the ball and give you a bounce pass and you’re like, he really plays like a wing or a guard like who’s ball like supposed to be a playmaker cuz he’ll push the ball and like throw it ahead and he’s really good at it,” he explained. “That’s probably the biggest like surprise I had about him.”
What Shaped Veesaar’s Path to Chapel Hill?
Reflecting on his journey to Chapel Hill, Veesaar traced his basketball roots back to his earliest memories. The connection to the game ran deep in his family.
“I’ve always had a basketball in my hand because my dad loves basketball,” he said.
That foundation led to a pivotal decision at 15. Veesaar moved to Spain to join Real Madrid’s academy, beginning an international basketball journey that would eventually bring him to the United States. After spending three years in Real Madrid’s development program, he chose Arizona, where he spent three years before transferring to North Carolina.
MORE: 7′0″ Henri Veesaar Reveals Ex-Teammate Caleb Love’s Major Role in UNC Transfer Decision
Beyond his club experience, Veesaar also highlighted his time representing Estonia on the international stage. His national team experience includes becoming the youngest Estonian to play in a FIBA qualifier in 2021, a milestone that demonstrated his potential on basketball’s global stage.
For Veesaar, the transition to UNC represents the next chapter in blending his international background with a new roster. His admiration for Wilson’s playmaking ability, combined with his growing chemistry with teammates and his diverse basketball journey, all contribute to what he hopes to bring to Chapel Hill this season.
