Caleb Wilson Joins Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List - and Saturday Could Be a Statement Game
North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson just earned a major nod - he’s been named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, one of only 25 players in the country to make the cut. The announcement came Thursday from the Atlanta Tipoff Club, and it’s a big-time recognition for a first-year player who’s quietly building one of the most complete defensive résumés in college basketball.
Wilson isn’t alone in representing the next generation on the list - Duke’s Cameron Boozer is the only other freshman to crack the top 25. But while Boozer might have the edge in some advanced metrics, Wilson’s blend of athleticism, instincts, and timing gives him a legitimate shot to climb the ladder in the final stretch of the season. And with North Carolina hitting the road to face Georgia Tech on Saturday, Wilson has a real opportunity to make his case.
The Numbers That Matter
When it comes to postseason hardware like Defensive Player of the Year, the voters tend to lean on traditional counting stats - blocks, steals, rebounds - more than advanced metrics. Just look at last year: Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner took home the award after posting 2.7 blocks and 8.7 rebounds per game, with 93 total blocks on the year. Advanced analytics had other names higher in terms of overall defensive value, but the raw numbers carried the day.
This season, the advanced stats again shine a spotlight on Boozer. By defensive win shares, he’s been the most valuable defender in the country so far.
Wilson’s not far behind, sitting near the top of that list as well. But here’s where it gets interesting: Boozer’s counting stats don’t quite pop.
He’s averaging 0.6 blocks and 1.8 steals per game - solid, but not eye-popping for a player in the national conversation.
Wilson, on the other hand, is putting up 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. Those are strong numbers, especially for a freshman.
But to truly vault into the top tier of award contenders, he’ll need a few signature performances to close out the regular season - games where he dominates defensively and fills up the stat sheet. Saturday’s matchup in Atlanta might be the perfect stage.
Georgia Tech’s Offense: A Prime Opportunity
Let’s be blunt - Georgia Tech’s offense has been a mess lately. The Yellow Jackets are 11-10 overall and just 2-6 in conference play, and a big part of the problem is their inability to take care of the basketball.
Their turnover rate sits at 16.6 percent - that’s in the 19th percentile nationally. And somehow, it’s gotten worse in recent weeks, climbing to 17.3 percent over their last five games.
That ranks in the 10th percentile.
Opponents are feasting on this. Teams are averaging 8.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game against Georgia Tech - both well above the national average. That spells opportunity for a player like Wilson, who thrives on disrupting passing lanes, contesting shots, and turning defense into transition offense.
By KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency metric, Georgia Tech ranks 191st in Division I. This is a team that struggles to generate clean looks and protect the ball - exactly the kind of matchup a defensive playmaker like Wilson can exploit.
A Historic Path in Chapel Hill
If Wilson can string together a few dominant defensive outings down the stretch - starting with Georgia Tech - he could do something no Tar Heel has ever done: win the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. Not only would he be the first from North Carolina to take home the honor, but he’d also be the first freshman in history to do it.
That’s a tall order, no doubt. But if Wilson continues trending upward - and capitalizes on matchups like Saturday’s - he’ll be tough to ignore.
The raw tools are there. The production is building.
Now it’s about closing strong.
And with the lights getting brighter and the stakes getting higher, Caleb Wilson has a chance to show the college basketball world that he’s more than just a freshman making noise - he’s a game-changer with a shot at history.