Per his Instagram account, UNC forward Caleb Wilson has declared for the NBA Draft. His announcement arrives just less than a week after former head coach Hubert Davis was relieved of his duties.
Wilson had one of the most incredible individual seasons that we’v seen in a long time at UNC. He finished his season averaging 19.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. At one point during the season he lead the team in all major categories, but then he injured his left hand in the game against Miami. There was hope that he would be able to return before the season was over, but while practicing for the Duke game he broke his thumb in his right hand during a non-contact drill. That injury ended his freshman season, and it effectively ended his Carolina career.
Despite missing a decent amount of time, Wilson as named first-team All-ACC, second-team All-American, and was selected for the ACC All-Rookie team. His incredible season guaranteed that his jersey will be hung in the rafters of the Dean Smith Center.
There was some hope that Caleb Wilson would return for a sophomore season, but it was never a likely outcome. Wilson is a projected top-five NBA Draft pick, and while NIL has made sure college players are making good money, it is still nothing compared to a top-five rookie contract — if he is picked fifth overall, he can still around $9 million his first two seasons. His NIL valuation during his freshman season was reportedly $1.9 million per On3.com.
Wilson is bound to be a really good player in the NBA. His skill set is something that many NBA GMs are looking for, and he’s drawn a lot of comparison to Kevin Garnett. He certainly has enough talent to be in the league for a long time, and he may even have enough talent to become a NBA All-Star if he lands in the right system. That’s a tough ask considering the teams that are at the top of the NBA Draft boards right now, but perhaps he will get a fortunate break and not land with a team like the Sacramento Kings. Is it messy to say that? Maybe. Is it a fair statement? NBA fans would almost certainly tell you yes.
We wish Caleb Wilson the best of luck at the next level. Thank you for giving your all to the program, and I will be rooting for you loud and proud wherever you land.
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