Caleb Wilson NBA mock draft projection: Where North Carolina star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out. Caleb Wilson 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 4 overall, Brooklyn Nets All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection Kalbrosky's Analysis: It was devastating news to learn North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson would miss the NCAA mens basketball tournament with a broken thumb.

Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement though. After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft last season, they could fill in the rest of the puzzle of their roster by adding the All-ACC big man. Before the injury, via Bart Torvik, the freshman led the nation with 67 dunks recorded.

He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2. 5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20. 0 percent.