Aug. 15, 2026, 12:14 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
As summer continues to wind down, anticipation for football and basketball season heats up. When the 2026-27 NBA slate<\/a> begins, Tar Heel Nation will have its eyes glued to Caleb Wilson.<\/a><\/p>\n The Chicago Bulls<\/a>‘ fourth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Wilson quickly impressed amongst the pro ranks earlier this summer, setting a new record for most points in a Summer League debut<\/a>. Part of a historic Draft class with fellow top-4 picks<\/a> AJ Dybantsa (first overall), Darryn Peterson (second) and Cameron Boozer (third), Wilson will treat fans to a plethora of exciting matchups in his rookie season.<\/p>\n One of Wilson’s first matchups you should be paying attention to is the Bulls’ home opener on Saturday, October 24, when they’ll be facing Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards<\/a>.<\/p>\n Wilson’s first regular season game will be Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., when Chicago travels to face the Toronto Raptors. Dybantsa’s rookie year begins that same day at 7 p.m., when Washington hosts the new-look Milwaukee Bucks.<\/p>\n Wilson played against the Wizards in Summer League, leading all scorers with 19 points in a 99-87 win, but Dybantsa sat out that game. Later in a postgame interview, Wilson said he’ll play any chance he gets<\/a>, as opposed to resting like his fellow Top-4 picks.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Dybantsa racked up a long list of awards after his lone season at BYU, including a Consensus First-Team All-American and Big 12 Freshman of the Year, both well-deserved after leading college basketball with 25.5 points per game. The Cougars collapsed towards the end of their season, dealing with injuries and losing their first NCAA Tournament matchup.<\/p>\n Wilson arguably was the best player in college basketball until his injury during UNC’s 75-66 loss at Miami (FL)<\/a>, consistently recording double-doubles while averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, en route to First-Team All-ACC and Second Team All-America honors. Wilson targeted a return for North Carolina’s rematch with Duke<\/a>, but an injury in practice the week leading up ended his season.<\/p>\n Wilson and Dybantsa took over the college game in just one year. Now, the two star rookies will look to take over the NBA, starting with this can’t-miss late-October matchup.<\/p>\n Follow us\u00a0@TarHeelsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina\u00a0Tar Heels<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n