One of the most valuable freshmen in the sport may have played his last game in college.
North Carolina announced Thursday afternoon that stellar freshman forward Caleb Wilson suffered a left hand fracture during the first half of the Tar Heels’ 75-66 road loss against Miami on Tuesday.
“X-rays taken during the game were negative, and he returned to play later in the second half vs. the Hurricanes, but additional imaging done in Chapel Hill revealed the fracture,” per the school. “The evaluation process is ongoing to determine the timetable for Wilson’s return.”
Broken hands can sometimes lead to extended absences, so there is no telling whether or not Wilson will be able to suit up in the near future, or if the injury and subsequent rehab will force him to sit deep into March. Wilson has been one of the best freshman performers in what’s increasingly considered the deepest one-and-done class in college basketball history.
At 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, Wilson has been one of the best freshmen in Carolina history. His 17 20-point outings are the most by any first-year player for the program. Wilson played all 40 minutes in UNC’s instant-epic win over rival Duke on Saturday, scoring 23 points to go with four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. North Carolina also notes Wilson’s 66 dunks are the most of any player in college basketball.
The loss of Wilson could be problematic for a 19-5 Heels crew that is ranked 11th this week. UNC ranks outside the top 40 in defensive efficiency at KenPom and has relied on Wilson’s unrelenting hustle and playmaking to make a jump this season after barely making the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The next game is manageable: UNC hosts lowly Pitt on Saturday, then has back-to-back road tests against North Carolina State and Syracuse. The Tar Heels currently hover around the 7-line in NCAA Tournament bracketology. Depending on how UNC plays in the weeks ahead without its most talented player, the committee will evaluate (but not necessarily punish) UNC with and without Wilson.
An Atlanta native, Wilson projects as a top-five draft prospect. North Carolina hasn’t had a player drafted in the top five since Marvin Williams went No. 2 in 2005.
