Caleb Wilson’s Star Turn: A Freshman Playing Like a Tar Heel Legend
Caleb Wilson isn’t just putting up numbers - he’s putting himself in some elite company. In North Carolina’s 79-66 win over Florida State, the freshman phenom delivered a stat line that reads like something out of a Tar Heel time capsule: 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
That makes him just the sixth player in UNC history to post a 20/10/5 game, joining an exclusive group that includes Billy Cunningham, Mitch Kupchak, James Worthy, Joseph Forte, and Luke Maye. Not bad for a freshman who’s still learning the ropes of ACC basketball.
And speaking of freshmen, Wilson just broke another record - he’s now the only first-year Tar Heel to score 20 or more points in six straight games, edging out none other than Phil Ford, who had five straight back in the day. That’s not just a hot streak; that’s a young player making history in Chapel Hill.
But here’s the thing: as dazzling as his scoring has been, it’s everything else Wilson does that really tells the story.
Setting the Tone Early - Without Scoring
Let’s go back to the opening minutes of the game. It was, to put it kindly, a grind.
UNC had just two field goals in the first seven-plus minutes. One of them was an and-one by Wilson - but let’s skip that for a moment.
With the Heels clinging to an 8-7 lead, Florida State missed a rare two-point shot (they attempted 40 threes on the night compared to just 26 twos). Wilson skied above the crowd to secure the rebound, then immediately pushed the ball up the court himself.
That’s not something you see every day from a freshman forward - grabbing a board, handling the break, and drawing defenders like a magnet. But Wilson wasn’t looking to score.
He spotted Jonathan Powell wide open in the corner and zipped a one-handed laser for an easy three. That’s court vision.
That’s poise. That’s a freshman making the right read at full speed.
Before he ever suited up for Carolina, Wilson said passing was the most underrated part of his game. It won’t be for long if he keeps dishing like that.
“I watch a lot of film,” Wilson said after the game. “I see where the double-teams are coming from and what defenses are doing to stop me. When they load up, I know the corner will be open.”
He’s not just reacting - he’s anticipating. That kind of basketball IQ is rare, especially for a player this early in his college career.
The Play Before the Play
Later in the game, Wilson delivered another gem - and again, it didn’t show up in the scoring column. After swatting a Lajae Jones shot and pinning it against the backboard, Wilson didn’t celebrate.
He didn’t flex. He didn’t even slow down.
He grabbed the ball and immediately found Seth Trimble streaking down the floor for a transition layup. That’s instinct.
That’s feel. That’s a player who’s always a step ahead.
Some of Wilson’s impact is built on hard work. After struggling from the line in recent games (he’d hit just 53% of his free throws over the last four), he’s been putting in extra time before and after practice.
It paid off - he went 4-for-5 from the stripe in this one. But other moments?
Those are just pure feel for the game.
Midway through the first half, Wilson again made a subtle play that changed a possession. After contesting a three-pointer at the top of the key, he didn’t just drift back on offense.
When Trimble grabbed the rebound and pushed the ball, Wilson saw an opportunity to help - not by calling for the ball, but by setting a perfectly timed screen that took Trimble’s defender out of the play. The result?
A drive to the rim and a three-point play.
“I knew the only guy who could stop Seth was the one guarding him,” Wilson said. “So I stood there and knew Seth would attack off my hip.”
That’s not just basketball IQ. That’s chemistry. And considering Wilson and Trimble have only played a handful of games together, it’s impressive how well they already complement each other.
Hustle That Doesn’t Quit
Wilson’s motor might be just as impressive as his skill set. With 13:42 to play, Trimble missed a three-pointer.
Nine other players stood flat-footed as the ball bounced off the rim. Wilson, stationed on the opposite side of the floor, sprinted from the right wing to the left corner, snatched the offensive rebound, and in one motion fired a dart to Henri Veesaar for an easy bucket.
That’s effort. That’s awareness. That’s a player who doesn’t just want to win - he wants to make winning plays every trip down the floor.
“I’ve learned in college how important offensive rebounding can be,” Wilson said. “Throughout the year, I will get better.”
Simple as that. He sees a part of his game that needs work, and he addresses it. That’s the mindset of a player who’s not just chasing stats - he’s chasing greatness.
Now About Those Buckets…
We’ve gone this far without really talking about Wilson’s scoring - which says a lot about the depth of his game. But let’s not ignore the highlights.
One of his best came late in the first half. With just 4.5 seconds left on the shot clock, UNC inbounded the ball to Wilson, who was posting up with his back to the basket.
One pivot, one smooth turnaround, and a soft jumper over the outstretched arms of Robert McCray. It was a shot he’s clearly worked on - and one that’s becoming a staple of his offensive arsenal.
“I work on that a lot,” Wilson said. “With my height and my athletic ability, it’s going to be there.”
Then came the exclamation point. In the second half, Derek Dixon hit Wilson in stride, and the freshman elevated over Florida State’s 6-foot-10 Chauncey Wiggins for a one-handed tomahawk dunk that brought the Dean Dome to its feet.
“I didn’t realize I took it back that far,” Wilson said with a grin after watching the replay.
That smile? It’s part of the package. It’s what makes him so easy to root for - a player who plays hard, plays smart, and clearly loves every second he’s on the floor.
A Star in the Making
“He’s got a court personality that just oozes out,” head coach Hubert Davis said after the game. “It’s so much fun to watch as a coach. I can only imagine how fun it is to watch it as a fan.”
Well, Coach, we can confirm - it’s a blast. Caleb Wilson isn’t just another talented freshman.
He’s a player with the tools, the mindset, and the instincts to become something special. And if this stretch is any indication, he’s not just knocking on the door of Tar Heel greatness - he might be ready to kick it wide open.