Caleb Wilson’s name lit up the draft board on Thursday night as the Chicago Bulls selected him with the fourth overall pick, marking the highest draft position for a University of North Carolina player since Marvin Williams was taken fourth in 2005.
Henri Veesaar, the 6‑foot‑10 Estonian forward, heard his name called in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks, adding another Tar Heel to the NBA’s roster of recent draftees.
The double selection underscores a milestone for UNC, which saw multiple players drafted for the first time since 2019, bringing its all‑time draft tally to 121 selections, including 56 first‑round picks.
Among the fresh faces projected for the 2027 draft, three prospects have already begun to generate buzz: Sayon Keita, an 18‑year‑old Malian big man; Matt Able, a transfer from N.C. State; and Neoklis Avdalas, a 6‑foot‑9 Greek sophomore.
Keita arrived at the Tar Heels with a reputation for rim protection, having posted 3.2 blocks, 13 points and 5.4 rebounds at the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2025, traits that could translate into a defensive anchor in the NBA.
Able, who spent a season at N.C. State before joining UNC, impressed at the NBA Draft Combine with a 16‑point average and a 7‑of‑14 performance from beyond the arc, positioning him as a potential first‑round talent with another year of college experience.
Avdalas, meanwhile, offers a versatile skill set, averaging 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds for Virginia Tech, and is expected to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator for the Tar Heels.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Coaches and analysts alike see the incoming class as a catalyst for UNC’s next era, blending interior presence, perimeter shooting and playmaking to reshape the team’s identity on both ends of the floor.