UNC Builds Frontcourts; Miami Overhauls Roster

UNC men’s basketball closed the preseason with a 95-53 win over Winston-Salem State after struggling early from three and the free-throw line before pulling away in the second half. To address last season’s small-ball limitations, UNC added frontcourt size in Caleb Wilson (6-foot-10) and 7-foot redshirt junior center Henri Veesaar, who are expected to boost rim protection, rebounding and lineup versatility. The UNC women’s frontcourt will also be a focus, with sophomore Blanca Thomas projected as a defensive and rebounding anchor, position-less stretch four Ciera Toomey, and veteran power forward Nyla Harris providing experience and interior presence. Elsewhere in the region, Miami’s new head coach Jai Lucas has begun overhauling a 7-24 roster using NIL resources and transfers, and freshman Shelton Henderson (6-8, 240) is drawing early comparisons to NBA rookie Stephon Castle and could be a high-impact player. Coaches and veterans across programs emphasized culture, unity and daily development as the priority, signaling a long-term build rather than immediate fixes.