Caleb Wilson isn’t just living up to the hype - he’s redefining what it means to be a freshman at North Carolina.
Through the first 13 games of his college career, Wilson has been nothing short of dominant. He’s putting up numbers that don’t just turn heads - they demand attention. And now, he’s found himself in the kind of company that cements a player’s name in the UNC record books: Phil Ford-level company.
Yes, that Phil Ford.
On Monday night, Wilson poured in 20+ points for the fifth straight game, joining Ford as the only Tar Heel freshmen to ever pull that off. Let that sink in. We’re talking about a program that’s produced Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Tyler Hansbrough - and yet, only two freshmen have ever done what Wilson is doing right now.
That’s not just impressive - that’s historic.
And it’s not just the scoring. Wilson has become a double-double machine, pairing 20+ points with 10+ rebounds like it’s routine.
He’s anchoring the frontcourt with a level of poise and polish that’s rare for a first-year player. His chemistry with Henri Veesaar - who’s quietly having a breakout season himself - gives UNC a frontcourt duo that’s proving to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Together, they’ve formed a relentless inside presence that’s powering the Tar Heels through non-conference play.
But Wilson’s not done yet.
With Florida State coming to town on December 30 for UNC’s ACC opener, Wilson has a shot to stand alone in the record books. One more 20-point performance, and he’ll break the tie with Ford for the longest such streak by a Tar Heel freshman. Given his current form, there’s every reason to believe he can not only break the record - but keep pushing the bar higher.
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a hot start. It’s the early stages of what could become one of the greatest freshman seasons in North Carolina basketball history. Wilson is playing with a level of confidence and consistency that feels like it belongs to a seasoned vet, not someone just months removed from high school.
The numbers are special. The company he’s keeping is elite. And if this is just the beginning, Chapel Hill might be watching the rise of its next all-time great.
Caleb Wilson is that good.