UNC star freshman Caleb Wilson will forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2026 NBA Draft, he announced on social media Friday night. Wilson’s announcement comes less than a week after the university dismissed Hubert Davis as the head coach of the men’s basketball program.

Wilson finished his freshman season as UNC’s leading scorer (19.8 points per game) and rebounder (9.4 per game). And despite playing in just 24 total games due to various hand injuries, Wilson still led the Tar Heels in steals (36) and finished just four blocks behind teammate Henri Veesaar for the team lead.

Even with his injuries, Wilson earned first team All-ACC and All-Freshman honors. He’s just the third Tar Heel freshman ever to make first team All-ACC, joining Antawn Jamison and Tyler Hansbrough. He was also named a second team All-American by the Associated Press, ensuring that Wilson’s No. 8 jersey will be honored in the rafters of the Dean Smith Center.

Wilson scored in double figures in each of his 24 career games with the Tar Heels, giving him the longest such streak begin a collegiate career in program history. He scored at least 20 points 17 times, which is a UNC freshman record.

Wilson is projected to be one of the top picks in this summer’s NBA Draft. ESPN’s mock draft has Wilson being selected No. 4 overall by the Brooklyn Nets, which would make Wilson the highest UNC draft selection since Marvin Williams went second overall in 2005. Should that particular selection come to pass, Wilson would also join former Tar Heel Drake Powell in Brooklyn. Powell was the Nets’ first-round selection in 2025.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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