NCAA: Caleb Wilson bids good-bye to North Carolina, hello to NBA

It turns out Caleb Wilson’s final game with North Carolina came on Feb. 10, marking the end of a brief but highly productive freshman season before injuries cut it short.

Wilson officially became a one-and-done player this week after declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a top-five selection.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina,” Wilson said in a video announcement. “Wearing No. 8, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games, I’m happy to say I gave it my all.”

The 6-foot-10 forward earned second-team All-American honors after averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds across 24 games. However, his season was disrupted by injuries that sidelined him for the final stretch.

Wilson initially fractured his left hand in a game against Miami on Feb. 10. While nearing a return, he suffered another setback on March 5 when he broke his right thumb during a dunk in practice, requiring surgery and ending his season.

“This past year has been the most fun year of my life, although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity,” Wilson said. “I will always cherish this university and the people that make this place what it is.”

His decision to turn professional comes during a transitional period for the program, following North Carolina’s dismissal of head coach Hubert Davis and the hiring of former NBA head coach Michael Malone.

The Tar Heels concluded their season with an 82-78 overtime loss to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. -Field Level Media/Reuters