UNC’s Frontcourt Breakdown: Analysts Dive Into 2025–26 Depth Behind Wilson and Veesaar
With five-star freshman Caleb Wilson and transfer Henri Veesaar set to lead the charge at the power forward and center positions for the North Carolina Tar Heels, attention has shifted to the depth behind them heading into the 2025–26 season.
On a recent episode of Coast to Coast, Inside Carolina analysts Sherrell McMillan and Sean Moran joined host Joey Powell to evaluate UNC’s rotation in the frontcourt. They broke down rebounding concerns, bench contributors, and the potential roles of players like Jarin Stevenson, Zayden High, and James Brown. Here are the key takeaways:
Stevenson Best at the 4, High Fits Better at the 5
Moran emphasized the importance of proper positional fit:
“Ideally, UNC uses four players in the 4/5 rotation. Wilson and Veesaar are the clear starters. If Luka enrolls, then keeping Jarin Stevenson at the 4 makes the most sense. He’s more natural there than at the 3, while Zayden High is probably better suited to back up the 5.”
Stevenson arrives from Alabama with valuable experience, while High is still developing after a quiet freshman year.
Tar Heels Have Size—But Lack Elite Rebounders
McMillan warned against assuming rebounding will automatically improve due to size alone:
“Outside of Caleb Wilson, I don’t know how many instinctual rebounders this team has. Veesaar needs to prove he can be that guy. Stevenson has shown flashes but hasn’t done it consistently. That leaves High and Brown as question marks.”
Zayden High’s Aggression Could Earn Him Minutes
What High lacks in polish, he may make up for in intensity:
“Zayden’s always been aggressive—he throws his body around and fights for rebounds,” McMillan said. “On a roster full of finesse and skill, someone who’s willing to be the enforcer will find a role.”
Stevenson Needs to Toughen Up
Moran pointed to Stevenson’s need for physical development:
“He has to improve his strength and explosiveness. At Alabama, he was often used as a floor spacer, but didn’t take advantage of smaller defenders in the post—even RJ Davis was able to guard him.”
High Has the Edge Defensively at the 5
When it comes to defending post players, High may be more equipped than Stevenson:
“Jarin can guard 4s, but isn’t strong enough to defend 5s yet,” said Moran. “Zayden, on the other hand, has more bulk and physicality.”
It’s Now or Never for Stevenson
McMillan summed up Stevenson’s challenge heading into the summer:
“He’s got the physical tools of a prototypical 4, but the question is: does he want it? Does he have the motor and edge to dominate? He’s been questioned about this since high school, and now he has to prove it.”
With Wilson and Veesaar leading the starting unit, UNC’s frontcourt looks promising—but if the Tar Heels want to contend nationally, they’ll need meaningful contributions from their depth bigs. The coming months will be key in determining who rises to the challenge.
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