While the focus right now is on Clemson and North Carolina taking care of business, it's fair if some people are already looking forward to taking on Duke on Saturday. That blockbuster showdown will only be made more intriguing if freshman Caleb Wilson is able to play.
UNC fans will love to hear this iconic Senior Night tradition is returning
The diaper dandy has been out of the lineup since he hurt his hand vs. Miami, but he has made it more than clear that he's got March 7 as his targeted return date. If it were up to Wilson, he'd fight through the pain and give it his all against the Blue Devils.
It's not all on him, however. Instead, this will be a decision made by the team doctors and head man Hubert Davis. Again, Wilson wants to play, we know that. With that said, Davis needs to step in and make the easy decision: that's for Wilson to rest up against Duke and wait for the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tourney.
UNC should not risk bringing back Caleb Wilson back too soon to take on Duke
We get it, this is likely not what the UNC faithful wanted to read right now. Whenever Duke and Carolina go to battle, it's a ton of fun to watch. The thought of Wilson suiting up and doing everything he can to help the Heels pull off a major upset against the No. 1 team in the country sounds amazing, sure.
At the same time, imagine Wilson comes back too soon, hurts his hand even worse and then he's out for the entire postseason. If that ends up being the case, everyone will be ready to blast Davis for being so reckless with his superstar playmaker.
Are people going to be disappointed if Wilson doesn't play vs. Duke? Absolutely, but this isn't the last game of the season for the Heels. There's still a ton of basketball left to be played and the focus should be going on a deep run in March, not going all-in to beat Duke in Durham.
With Clemson being the home finale, it also means that barring a massive stunner, we've seen the last of Wilson playing at the Smith Center. He's expected to be one and done, with him being a potential Top 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
That alone is sobering, but the good news is that Wilson is expected to be back in the near future to pick up where he left off before he got hurt. On the season, the 6-10, 215-pounder is averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Heels have been able to ride out the storm without him, and the same will be the case vs. Clemson. Will the same be said vs. the Blue Devils too? We hate to say it, but it's a call Davis has to make. Sit him, coach.