How UNC’s Caleb Wilson Performed Against Fellow Lottery Picks

The North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2025-26 season did not go as planned and was an outright disappointment, considering the level of talent on the roster. However, there were certainly players and moments that will be remembered forever in North Carolina history.

One of those players, who produced memorable moments throughout the season, is Caleb Wilson. The 6-foot-9, 216-pound forward was a freshman phenom who caught college basketball by storm, despite being a five-star recruit.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts towards referee Danielle Scott (87) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Wilson had flown under the radar leading up to conference play, but his elite performances continued. The same can be said about Wilson during the pre-draft process, as he has been labeled as the third- or fourth-best player in this class, but he could go as high as No. 2 overall.

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With all that being said, let’s take a look back at how Wilson fared against the elite prospects in this year’s draft, who are projected to be taken off the board inside the top four.

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AJ Dybantsa

Feb 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) looks on prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

As mentioned, entering the regular season, Wilson was not thought of as highly as the other elite incoming freshmen in the 2025 class. That included BYU’s Dybantsa, who inherited praise as a top-two prospect, and rightfully so.

In an October exhibition against BYU, Wilson compiled 22 points, 10…

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Publish date : 2026-05-14 12:00:00

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