Caleb Wilson didn’t get the loudest pre-draft hype in his class, but that hasn’t changed the way he’s carried himself. The North Carolina star went fourth overall, yet the buzz around him never quite matched the attention given to Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson.
That difference seems to have only sharpened Wilson’s edge. He’s heading into the NBA with something to prove, and that kind of mindset can be a gift. For the Chicago Bulls, it fits right alongside the player they’re getting: talented, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to win at the highest level.
What stands out most about Wilson is how consistently his words line up with his actions. He says the right things, sure, but he also backs them up. That showed up again when he talked about his injury and what he’s anticipating at NBA Summer League.
Wilson said he had been looking forward to Summer League for a long time and had July 10 circled on his calendar. “I remember getting injured, and all I was ever thinking about was I’ll be playing on July 10th.
And that was like 3, 4, or 5 months ago," Wilson said, H/T Elias Schuster. "So I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.
It’s kind of surreal to see how fast it all went by. But I’m definitely excited to play.
I feel like when I do play out there, it will be kind of like today, a little jitters because you haven’t played in so long. But I’ll be good.”
So far, the early returns in Chicago have been strong. People in the organization have spoken highly of him, and that praise has continued since his time at North Carolina.
In Other News...
UNC Just Got Hit With Brutal News On 5-Star Marcus Spears Jr
North Carolinas pursuit of Marcus Spears Jr. came up short in a way that stings more because the Tar Heels were in the mix for a player whose stock has only kept rising. Spears, a consensus top-10 prospect who had been viewed as one of the elite names in his class, had been on UNCs board after the staff extended him an offer, but the recruitment always carried the feel of a heavyweight battle for a player with national appeal and a long list of options.
Spears ultimately leaned toward staying close to home, and that decision leaves UNC looking elsewhere as it continues to manage a roster that is already close to full. For the Tar Heels, it is another reminder that even when they get involved early with a premier talent, the final call can still come down to fit, timing and geography, and this one never seemed to tilt in their favor. [Read more 🡒]
Caleb Wilson Is Finally Back And Tar Heels Fans Need This
Caleb Wilsons return to the floor is finally here, and it comes with the kind of low-stakes, high-curiosity setting that makes Summer League so useful for a team like Chicago. The No. 4 pick is scheduled to play Friday night against Memphis, giving Bulls fans their first real look at him in a game setting since his North Carolina season was cut short by injuries.
For Tar Heels fans, it is a chance to watch one of their most talented recent players move into the next stage after a frustrating finish in Chapel Hill. The matchup will be on Prime Video at 7 p.m. ET, and while the result matters less than Wilson simply getting back on the court, there is plenty of interest in seeing how he looks in his first competitive action in a while. [Read more 🡒]
Tar Heels Fans Finally Get The Caleb Wilson Moment They've Waited For
Tar Heels fans have had a busy Summer League to track, with familiar names popping up across the NBA as former North Carolina players settle into their pro routines. Henri Veesaar gave Atlanta a lift off the bench with 14 points and six rebounds in a win over San Antonio, while R.J. Davis chipped in 12 points, three assists and two steals for the Spurs, even if the box score also reflected a rough night overall for his team.
The bigger anticipation, though, is centered on Caleb Wilson, who is finally on the verge of getting back on the floor after a long layoff. Seth Trimble also made his Summer League debut for Washington, adding another Tar Heel to the leagues summer showcase, and with more UNC alumni still working through their own opportunities, this stretch has become a useful early look at how the programs recent talent is beginning to spread across the NBA. [Read more 🡒]