Rising Stars: UNC’s New NBA Prospects
North Carolina’s basketball program has a storied history of producing NBA talent, and the 2026 draft cycle is shaping up to continue that tradition. After Caleb Wilson became the highest‑selected Tar Heel since Marvin Williams in 2005, the recent selection of Henri Veesaar by the Atlanta Hawks marks the first time in years that multiple UNC players have been drafted in the same year.
Among the newcomers, Sayon Keita, an 18‑year‑old center from Mali, is drawing particular attention. Having honed his game in Spain’s professional league, Keita arrives in Chapel Hill a year earlier than expected and brings a defensive skill set that includes a 3.2‑block average and strong rim protection. His performance at the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2025, where he posted a double‑double of 13.2 points and 10.5 rebounds, underscores his readiness for the next level.
Matt Able, a 6‑foot‑6 guard who transferred from N.C. State, also made a splash at the NBA Draft Combine. Able’s shooting display was impressive, knocking down 7‑of‑14 three‑point attempts, and he averaged 16 points per game off the bench for the Wolfpack. Coaches project a larger role for him, envisioning a two‑way impact that could translate into significant minutes at the professional level.
Neoklis Avdalas, a 6‑foot‑9 sophomore from Greece, offers a blend of guard skills and versatile scoring. He averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds at Virginia Tech, highlighted by two 30‑point outings. While his 31.6 % three‑point shooting requires refinement, his playmaking in pick‑and‑roll situations is expected to be a key connector for the Tar Heels’ offense.
The broader picture includes other prospects such as Tyran Stokes, Caleb Holt, Jordan Smith Jr. and Alijah Arenas, all projected as top 2027 candidates. Their emergence signals a deepening talent pool that could keep UNC at the forefront of NBA draft conversations for years to come.