UNC vs. St. Bonaventure – Player of the Game: Henri Veesaar

For the first time since 2016, the North Carolina Tar Heels are 6-0 to start the season.

Critical in last night’s win was junior Henri Veesaar. In his expanded role this season as a starter for Carolina, the seven-footer posted career highs in points and rebounds.

In the opening game for the Fort Myers Tip-Off, Veesaar and Caleb Wilson were the best players on the court.

Veesaar finished the first half with eight points and eight rebounds. For perspective, Veesaar had just one game with more than eight rebounds in 37 games last season.

Last night was Veesaar’s third career double-double, all of which have happened this season with the Tar Heels.

Despite Veesaar and Wilson leading the way in the first half, the Bonnies made a late half run to make it just a two-point game at the half.

Veesaar scored the first two points for UNC in the second half and went on to score 14 more to lead all scorers in the game with 24 points. His 13 rebounds were the most among all players.

An impressive part of Veesaar’s performance was his variety of scoring methods. He had a couple of dunks and layouts, a mid-range jumper, a jumpshot from the free-throw line, and a three-pointer from the top of the key. Veesaar was also five of six from the charity stripe.

On the defensive end, Veesaar had a tough task against 270-pound Frank Mitchell. Veesaar held his own against Mitchell’s physicality, a good experience for an early-season matchup.

A very honorable mention goes to Wilson. The freshman sensation finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He is the first Carolina freshman to have four straight double-doubles.