Former UNC center leads bench scorers in NBA Summer League debut

· Yahoo Sports

Without Henri Veesaar last season, the North Carolina Tar Heels likely don't win 24 games. UNC needed a big, imposing center and got one from the former Arizona transfer.

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Veesaar broke out to become one of college basketball's top centers, averaging career highs of 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. The Atlanta Hawks selected Veesaar 52nd overall (second round) in this year's NBA Draft, a surprising slide considering his talent and versatility.

In NBA Summer League action on Thursday night, Veesaar led all bench scorers with 14 points, making 5-of-8 field field goals (2-for-5 on 3-pointers) and 1-of-2 free throws. A bonus: Atlanta dominated the San Antonio Spurs, 93-66.

Veesaar played against another former North Carolina standout, RJ Davis, who scored 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting and two made free throws.

The Hawks are pretty deep at center, with ESPN listing Onyeka Okongwu (starter), Jock Landale (backup), Mouhamed Gueye and Zuby Ejiofor ahead of Veesaar on their depth chart. This is simply a preseason depth chart, though, so Veesaar still has time to earn himself a permanent roster spot.

Veesaar initially entered himself into the NBA Draft, with Tar Heel Nation hoping for a withdrawal. If Veesaar chose a Chapel Hill return, UNC likely becomes a Top 10 team in preseason rankings.

Veesaar chose to stay in the Draft, ultimately banking on his breakout season. Playing one more year of college basketball likely improves Veesaar's Draft stock, but you can't blame him for chasing the money.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Former UNC center leads bench scorers in NBA Summer League debut

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