Caleb Wilson is doing more than just living up to the hype - he’s redefining what it means to be a freshman phenom in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina fans knew they were getting a special talent when Wilson arrived on campus, but few could’ve predicted just how quickly he’d become the engine of this Tar Heels squad. At 20.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, Wilson isn’t just filling a stat sheet - he’s filling a void.
A year ago, UNC lacked a dynamic, high-energy forward who could take over a game on both ends of the floor. Wilson has answered that call in a big way.
The latest recognition? ACC Co-Player of the Week honors, which Wilson shares with Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie - the same Okorie who torched UNC in their January meeting.
But this week, it was all about Wilson’s dominance. Across wins over Syracuse and Duke, he poured in 45 points, grabbed 13 boards, and knocked down 16 free throws.
And it wasn’t just the numbers - it was the moments.
Against Duke, Wilson was the heartbeat of UNC’s comeback. In a rivalry game that always demands your best, he delivered - and then some.
He kept the Tar Heels afloat in the first half, then helped power the second-half surge that sent fans spilling onto Franklin Street in celebration. That’s not just production - that’s presence.
Wilson has now strung together five straight games with at least 20 points, including 23 in that Duke win. And perhaps most impressively, he’s showing growth in the little things, too - like free throw shooting.
He was perfect from the line not just against Duke, but also in the road win at Georgia Tech. That kind of consistency under pressure is rare for any player, let alone a freshman.
And make no mistake - Wilson plays with an edge. Before the UNC-TCU football game, he made it known: he’s not a fan of Duke, Wake Forest, or NC State.
So far, he’s backed up that talk with wins over the first two. It’s not just swagger - it’s confidence that fuels his game and lifts those around him.
What’s striking is how much he elevates his teammates. His intensity is contagious, his energy sets the tone, and his versatility opens up the floor. Whether he’s attacking off the dribble, pulling down a tough rebound, or locking in defensively, Wilson is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
The question now isn’t whether Wilson can maintain this level - it’s how much higher his ceiling goes. Because if what we’ve seen so far is just the beginning, the rest of the ACC - and the country - better take notice.
Caleb Wilson isn’t just having a great freshman season. He’s building a legacy.