![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CalebWilson.jpg\")
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Freshman Caleb Wilson missed the final nine games of North Carolina’s season. Jared C. Tilton \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
March 27, 2026Updated 8:47 pm EDT<\/p>\n
Caleb Wilson, a projected lottery pick who missed the last nine games of North Carolina\u2019s season with hand and thumb injuries, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n
Wilson, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward, was a part of this season\u2019s stellar freshman class, a group that many believe might be the best rookie class in the history of college hoops. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists and shot 57.8 percent from the field this season.<\/p>\n
In a photo carousel posted to his Instagram account<\/a>, Wilson captioned a group of photos with the words \u201cnever take it for granted\u201d and included #8out (Wilson wore No. 8 this season for the Tar Heels.)<\/p>\n The Athletic\u2019s Sam Vecenie\u2019s latest draft model<\/a> has Wilson being drafted at No. 4 by the Indiana Pacers.<\/p>\n Wilson broke his thumb<\/a> dunking in practice March 5, and the school announced he\u2019d have season-ending surgery the next day. He had missed UNC\u2019s previous six games with a fractured left hand sustained Feb. 10 in a game against Miami.<\/p>\n Hours before Wilson broke his thumb, UNC coach Hubert Davis told reporters Wilson\u2019s rehab for his fractured left hand was going well.<\/p>\n Carolina, which was upset by sixth-seeded VCU in the first round, is in upheaval after firing Davis on Tuesday<\/a>. Though Wilson was expected to be a one-and-done, his declaration \u2014 before UNC has made a new hire and that hire had a chance to talk with Wilson \u2014 is another blow to the Tar Heels.<\/p>\n Mar 28, 2026<\/p>\n Connections: Sports Edition<\/p>\n Spot the pattern. Connect the terms<\/p>\n Find the hidden link between sports terms<\/p>\n Play today’s puzzle<\/p>\n<\/p>\n