Could Caleb Wilson jump three freshman stars in 2026 NBA Draft?

There's currently a million questions surrounding the UNC men's basketball program, perhaps none greater than if Hubert Davis should remain head coach. The Tar Heels (24-9, 12-6 ACC), who once looked like a National Championship contender, steadily fell out of contention when Caleb Wilson suffered a season-ending thumb injury . Reports pointed to Wilson returning for the Duke rematch, but he fractured his thumb – and North Carolina lost its first of three straight.

There's hope Wilson returns to the Tar Heels for another season, but he's a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. According to basketball insider Jake Fischer , there's talk of Wilson possibly leap-frogging fellow freshman stars AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and/or Darryn Peterson. “I don’t think anyone is taking Wilson No.

1 overall," Fischer said. "But, I think every team is going to have him above one of those other three guys. ” When healthy, Wilson was one of the best players in college basketball.

He averaged 19. 8 points and 9. 4 rebounds per game, breaking Tyler Hansbrough's UNC freshman record for 20-point games .