The talented player’s rise as a versatile big man and a key contributor to Arizona’s rotation was one of the most unexpected developments of the 2024-25 season, providing a glimmer of hope for the team’s future.
However, that hope might be for another team’s future.
Reports indicate that Veesaar has entered the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the third Wildcat to do so since Arizona’s season ended in the Sweet 16.
The 7-foot Veesaar had a breakout season in his third year with Arizona, averaging 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game. He started five times but was primarily a bench player.
A native of Estonia who missed the previous season due to an elbow injury, Veesaar had 16 double-digit scoring games, including 13 against Duke in the Sweet 16. His career-high was 22 points against ASU in the home finale.
A foot injury to teammate Motiejus Krivas in December allowed Veesaar to step into a larger role in the frontcourt, playing either in place of or alongside Tobe Awaka. His performance earned praise from opposing coaches, some of whom viewed him as an NBA prospect.
Veesaar now joins guard KJ Lewis and center Emmanuel Stephen in the portal. With Caleb Love and Trey Townsend, who have exhausted their eligibility, the Wildcats are left with just six scholarship players from a team that finished 24-13, tied for third in the Big 12, reached the conference tournament final, and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third time in four years under Tommy Lloyd.
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