North Carolina Lands Intriguing Henri Veesaar Replacement

On Monday, the Tar Heels signed Northwestern transfer Cade Bennerman, who redshirted this past season.

Bennerman's Background

Shortly after earning Bennerman's commitment last offseason, Northwestern head coach Chris Collins highlighted Bennerman's skill set and explained that he has ample room to grow.

• “Cade is a huge upside player,” Collins said. “He’s long, athletic, and has skill with good hands and feet. Cade can run the floor at his size, play at the high post, make shots, and handle the ball. We feel his best days are ahead of him.”

What This Means for UNC

Prior to this signing, the Tar Heels had not yet secured a starting center for next season. Logue was an underrated addition, but he is a developmental piece who would thrive coming off the bench. Bennerman is also another developmental piece, as he still has four years of eligibility remaining, but the 7-foot-1, 205-pound center is more likely to transform into a starting center.

During his senior season at Father Ryan, Bennerman averaged 13.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Throughout the transfer portal window, several marquee frontcourt players have signed with various programs, so Bennerman's addition could be viewed as a tad underwhelming, but this is a significant acquisition by Malone, who is looking forward to building this roster.

• “We have some young players coming into the program, and I want to be there for them," Malone said. "I want to help them develop into a full package, not just as a player, because we want to win games, but I want that player to keep coming back because he knows that we had their best interest in heart, in all factors of their life.”

Bennerman's 7-foot-5 wingspan, paired with his ability to shoot, handle the ball, and operate at the high post, will be magnified in Malone's system. Losing Veesaar is a major blow for the Tar Heels' aspirations next season, but Bennerman is the best alternative option available on the market.