Caleb Wilson Shines in Homecoming as Tar Heels Edge Ohio State in Thriller
ATLANTA - Caleb Wilson had this one circled on the calendar. A homecoming game in front of family, friends, and a whole lot of Atlanta basketball faithful.
The setting? State Farm Arena, home of the Hawks, and now the site of a breakout performance from North Carolina’s freshman phenom.
And Wilson didn’t just show up - he showed out.
The 6-foot-10 forward delivered a monster double-double, posting a game-high 20 points, a season-best 15 rebounds, and three blocks to lead No. 12 UNC to a 71-70 win over Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Wilson is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft - and why the Tar Heels are off to their best start since their 2008-09 national championship season.
After the game, senior guard Seth Trimble didn’t hesitate to crown Wilson a “young, freshman superstar” - a title that felt well-earned after Wilson’s second-half takeover.
“I can’t leave without a win,” Wilson said postgame, soaking in the moment. “My teammates helped me get that done.
We rallied through the end, and we got the win. That’s all that matters.”
A True Homecoming Moment
Wilson, who starred at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, had already played in an NBA arena earlier this season during UNC’s exhibition matchup against BYU. But this was different.
This was official. This was home.
And with the way he played, it might not be long before he’s back in State Farm Arena - only next time, as a pro.
After the final buzzer, Wilson made his way to the sideline to dap up Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson - a Duke alum - in a moment that symbolized both his roots and his future.
But for now, Wilson’s focus is squarely on Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels are rolling at 11-1.
A Tale of Two Halves
Wilson started the game quietly, with just four points on five shots in the first half. Still, he made his presence felt in other ways - grabbing seven rebounds and handing out a pair of assists as UNC took a three-point lead into halftime.
Then came the second half, and with it, a different level of intensity.
Wilson poured in 16 points after the break, pulled down eight more boards, and capped off the night with a game-saving block as the final seconds ticked away.
“I was just trying to let the game come to me,” Wilson said. “I knew they were going to be focused on me, so I wasn’t going to force shots or stop trusting my teammates.”
That patience paid off. Wilson matched his season high with nine made field goals and delivered the biggest defensive play of the night - a block on Devin Royal’s putback attempt as the backboard lit red and the horn sounded.
“We kind of knew it was going to be either Bruce [Thornton] or a tough shot,” Wilson said of the final play. “It was all about boxing out and finishing the play - something we work on every day in practice.”
No Panic, Just Poise
Even when UNC surrendered the lead late - on a four-point play by John Mooney Jr. after Wilson was whistled for a foul on a made three - there was no panic from the freshman.
“I was mad I gave up the and-one three, but we work on those situations every day,” Wilson said. “It was about trusting our process. We knew we could get it done.”
And they did.
Wilson’s all-around effort, combined with the return of Seth Trimble and strong contributions from players like Henri Veesaar, gave UNC just enough to escape with the win - and another résumé-building victory as March slowly creeps into view.
“I feel great. Definitely a huge win,” Wilson said.
“Of course we all love blowouts, but a close game like that - it’s fun, especially for the crowd. I’m just glad we got the win.
And I’m glad we got Seth back. I feel like we’re a much better team.”
The Bigger Picture
Wilson’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers - though those were impressive. It was about the moment. A young star returning home, playing in front of his people, and delivering when it mattered most.
He didn’t force it. He didn’t chase the spotlight. He let the game come to him - and still ended up being the brightest light in the building.
If this is what Wilson looks like in December, just imagine what March might bring.