Top international basketball prospect Henri Veesaar commits to Arizona Wildcats

Top international basketball prospect Henri Veesaar has committed to Arizona, he told ESPN on Wednesday.

«I believe in Tommy Lloyd's philosophy and how he coaches,» Veesaar said. «I've had my eyes on playing college basketball for some time now, and I believe that Arizona is a great fit to make a jump between youth and professional sport.»

The 7-foot, 18-year old is considered arguably the most promising European prospect committing to the college route in the class of 2022. He was identified as a 15-year old at the FIBA U16 European Championship, where he had a strong performance playing up a year on the competition, helping him land a contract with European powerhouse Real Madrid, the gold standard of junior programs on the continent.

Veesaar has steadily progressed over the past three years, winning the prestigious adidas Next Generation Tournament in 2021 and earning a call up to represent the Estonian senior national team already as a 17-year old, making him the youngest Estonian player ever to see minutes in a FIBA qualifier.

Again playing up a year on the competition, Veesaar had an outstanding showing at last summer's FIBA U18 European Challengers, averaging 16.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 2.6 assists, while hitting one 3-pointer per game.

Veesaar has an intriguing skill-set for a modern big man, with a 7-2 wingspan, excellent size, mobility and perimeter shooting ability that could allow him to emerge as a legit NBA prospect as his lanky frame fills out in time. He's quick off his feet for lobs or putback dunks, but shows promising ball-handling, passing ability and shooting range, as well as the ability to protect the rim and clean the defensive glass.

Weighing 207 pounds currently, and being the