Caleb Wilson continues to prove he is the superstar UNC Basketball fans have longed to have in Chapel Hill during the Hubert Davis era. There have been great players to wear the Carolina blue over the last five years, but it's hard to find one who has made this kind of splash during just the first seven weeks of the season.
Wilson earned ACC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season after two monster performances last week. Against East Tennessee State, Wilson racked up a 20-point, 8-rebound performance, shooting 50% from the field.
ACC Freshman of the Week ☑️
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) December 22, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/KmWwxRoYiW pic.twitter.com/SxoupJpsWA
However, the more impressive performance of the week was on Saturday during Wilson's "homecoming game" in Atlanta, Georgia, for the CBS Sports Classic versus Ohio State. Wilson secured the eighth double-double of his short UNC Basketball career with 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Buckeyes.
It was a game in which the Tar Heels led by 11 at one point, midway through the second half, before Ohio State went on a run and took the lead by 3 with just under a minute to play. Wilson made a rookie mistake by fouling a three-point shooter, allowing the Buckeyes to take a 70-67 lead with 48 seconds remaining, however, the freshman made up for it a few possessions later.
The final play. Bruce Thornton isn’t involved. Jarin Stevenson switches on Mobley to make a tough shot even tougher. Caleb Wilson ball doesn’t block out, but his supreme athleticism allows him to recover & get the block. Very few in the country can make this play. @TarHeel_247 pic.twitter.com/NZTkKramdQ
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) December 22, 2025
Wilson's ability to block away the potential game-winning shot allowed North Carolina to escape with a gritty win in Atlanta and move to 11-1 on the season, their best start since 2008-09.
For the UNC Basketball program, it is starting to look more like this team will go as far as Caleb Wilson can take them. His ability to consistently contribute both offensively and defensively is unlike one we have seen from a Tar Heel big man in quite some time. Not to mention, he is a fan favorite on and off the court with his incredible personality.
