Caleb Wilson has wasted no time making his presence felt in Chapel Hill. The 6-foot-10 freshman power forward from Atlanta, Georgia, entered North Carolina as one of the most talked-about prospects in the country — and his early play has justified the hype. A projected top-five pick for the 2026 NBA Draft, Wilson brings a rare combination of length, agility, and feel that already stands out at the collegiate level.
In his collegiate debut against BYU in an exhibition matchup, Wilson delivered a statement performance — finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His impact extended far beyond the box score, showcasing elite defensive awareness, fluidity, and the kind of athleticism that makes him a game-changer on both ends of the floor.
Check out his highlights here:
Caleb Wilson – freshman highlights (youtube)
Defensively, Wilson might be the most versatile player in his class. He can comfortably switch up and down the lineup — sitting down to guard smaller players or sliding over to protect the rim with impeccable timing. His instincts as a help defender are outstanding; he reads plays early, rotates quickly, and has a knack for challenging shots without fouling. With his long strides and quick recovery speed, he’s equally effective in transition defense and closing out on shooters. Simply put, his defensive potential is through the roof.
Offensively, Wilson’s game continues to evolve. He thrives in face-up situations, using his quick first step and long frame to attack mismatches. Around the rim, he’s dominant — finishing with power and balance while showing touch off the glass. He runs the floor extremely well, often beating opposing bigs in transition, and displays good instincts as a passer. His vision allows him to find cutters and open shooters when the defense collapses, showing a feel for team basketball uncommon for a freshman forward.
However, Wilson’s development as a shooter remains a key area for improvement. His three-point shot and midrange consistency can be streaky, and his shooting mechanics could use refinement to translate more smoothly at the next level. Additionally, he’s still learning to stay engaged off the ball — avoiding moments of ball-watching or losing positioning on rotations. Building more physicality when battling on the block will also help him maximize his rebounding and defensive presence.
Through his early performances, Wilson is averaging 22.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, shooting 54% from the field, 71% from the free-throw line, and 29% from three-point range. While the outside shot is still a work in progress, his inside finishing and defensive production already mirror those of a future lottery talent.
Caleb Wilson embodies the modern “combo forward” — long, mobile, and intelligent. His ability to guard multiple positions, rebound, and impact the game without needing high usage gives him tremendous value in today’s NBA landscape. If he continues refining his jumper and plays with consistent physicality, Wilson could emerge not only as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft but also as one of the best two-way players college basketball has seen in years.
The Hoop Post Draft Watch will continue tracking Caleb Wilson’s progress this season — but one thing is clear: North Carolina has a special talent on its hands.
