Veesaar Named To Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—University of North Carolina junior Henri Veesaar is one of 20 preseason candidates for the 2025-26 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the nation's top center, the Naismith Hall of Fame announced on Friday afternoon.

Veesaar came to Carolina as a transfer after three seasons at Arizona. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and shot 59.2% from the floor as a redshirt sophomore in 2024-25.

The annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, named after the Class of 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion, celebrates its 12th year by honoring the top centers in Division I men's college basketball.

2025-26 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Preseason Top 20 List
Malique Ewin, Arkansas
Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati
Owen Freeman, Creighton
Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
Alex Condon, Florida
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Tomislav Ivišić, Illinois
Fiory Bidunga, Kansas
Ernest Udeh Jr., Miami
Aday Mara, Michigan
Rienk Mast, Nebraska
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Nate Bittle, Oregon
Oscar Cluff, Purdue
Robbie Avila, Saint Louis
Magoon Gwath, San Diego State
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's
Felix Okpara, Tennessee
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn

Veesaar and the Tar Heels will open their 2025-26 season on Monday night when they host Central Arkansas in Chapel Hill. Carolina's first five games will all be played in the Smith Center.

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University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Henri Veesaar

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