Caleb Wilson is starting to finally get the respect he deserves.
After his incredible start to his college basketball career, the five-star freshman forward is beginning to move up the 2026 NBA Mock Drafts, climbing into the top five in a handful of the most recent releases.
Jonathan Wasserman released his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report earlier in the week. He now believes that Wilson won't have to wait very long to hear his name called, projecting him to be selected with the No. 5 overall pick to the Sacramento Kings.
Here's what Wasserman had to say regarding the UNC basketball star:
"An outstanding start for Caleb Wilson may call for some scouting report adjustments. While his sales pitch still revolves around the sure-fire translatability of his defensive tools and athleticism around the rim, he's looked sharper than expected offensively, particularly with his shotmaking and passing.
He hit a handful of mid-range jumpers against Kansas, showing the ability to separate into balanced looks around the key. He has also flashed quick processing on his early assists in terms of knowing where his teammates are as soon as he catches the ball or makes a move.
Wilson is looking like the type of Swiss Army knife forward who can impact a game in a variety of ways. But it's the early signs of improved scoring ability that have been so encouraging and could move the needle on his stock."
His pro comparison for WIlson is an interesting one: Jonathan Isaac. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac has now played seven seasons in the league, as injuries derailed two consecutive years for the former Florida State Seminole.
Wilson isn't the only Tar Heel featured on this latest mock draft. Henri Veesaar is slotted as the No. 31 overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets
With the way that both Wilson and Veesaar have played early on this season, it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see both players selected in the first round of this year's draft. For Wilson, he will continue to play at an elite level to put himself in consideration to be selected even higher in the top 5 once the draft rolls around in a few months.