Caleb Wilson Sprains Wrist in Loss to Miami, Status Unclear Ahead of Pitt Matchup
North Carolina’s standout freshman Caleb Wilson suffered a sprained left wrist during the Tar Heels’ 75-66 road loss to Miami on Tuesday night, according to a team spokesman. The injury came early in the second half and visibly impacted his performance down the stretch.
Wilson returned to the floor with his wrist heavily taped and gutted out 26 minutes, but it was clear he wasn’t himself. He finished with a season-low 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting and appeared to favor his right hand on most of his second-half attempts. With under two minutes remaining and the game still within reach, Wilson was on the bench - a rare sight for a player who’s been the engine of this Tar Heel team all season.
Following the game, head coach Hubert Davis downplayed the injury, offering only a brief, “there is no situation,” when asked about Wilson’s status. But the tape job, the limited minutes late, and the visible discomfort tell a different story - at the very least, it’s something to monitor.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Carolina, currently ranked No. 11 in the country with a 19-5 record (7-4 in the ACC), is entering a critical stretch of conference play.
They’re set to host Pittsburgh on Saturday, and Wilson’s availability could be a major factor in how that game - and the rest of the regular season - unfolds. The ACC will release its official injury report Friday night, which should provide more clarity.
Wilson has been nothing short of sensational this season. The freshman phenom leads the team in scoring (19.8 points per game), rebounding (9.4), steals, and blocks - a rare level of production even for a projected top-5 NBA Draft pick. His impact goes beyond the box score; he’s been the heartbeat of a Tar Heels squad with serious postseason aspirations.
He’s also earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors three times this season, most recently after a dominant showing in UNC’s win over then-No. 4 Duke. That performance - filled with energy, poise, and big-time plays - was a reminder of just how special Wilson can be when fully healthy.
Now, the focus shifts to recovery. With March looming, the Tar Heels can’t afford to be without their star for long. Whether Wilson suits up against Pitt or not, North Carolina’s margin for error in the ACC is tightening - and their freshman leader’s health could determine just how far this team can go.