Through five games, Caleb Wilson hasn’t just arrived—he’s taken over. The 6-foot-10 freshman from Atlanta, Georgia, became the first University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill player since Cole Anthony in 2019-20 to score 100 points in his first five collegiate contests, doing it with a jaw-dropping blend of power, poise, and perimeter touch. On Tuesday, November 19, 2025, Wilson led the Tar Heels to a 73-61 win over the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, posting his third straight double-double: 23 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and just one assist. He didn’t just play well—he owned the second half, dropping 17 points and eight rebounds, including a thunderous one-handed dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
A Start No One Saw Coming
Wilson’s ascent began on November 4, 2025, in his college debut against the University of Central Arkansas Bears. He dropped 22 points. No big deal—except it was just the beginning. Two days later, against the University of Kansas Jayhawks, he exploded for 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. That performance made him only the fourth Tar Heel ever—regardless of class—to hit those numbers, joining legends like Walter Davis and Mike O’Koren. He was a +21 on the floor, turning a halftime deficit into a 13-point win. His first two games? 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and an absurd 81.0% shooting (17-of-21). No freshman in UNC history had ever scored over 20 in each of their first two games.ACC Recognition and Team Chemistry
On November 10, 2025, the Atlantic Coast Conference named Wilson both Co-Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week—the first Tar Heel to sweep both since Anthony. That’s not just impressive. It’s historic. And yet, the team’s response to his dominance wasn’t jealousy—it was unity. After the Navy game, with the Tar Heels clinging to a narrow lead during a frantic 17-5 closing run, the players held a player-only meeting. Forward Rain Veerkamp put it simply: “As a team, we just needed a little talk. Without any coaches, without any extra emotion. Just as a team, being able to talk to each other, that’s great.”The Numbers Don’t Lie
Wilson’s stat line—20 points, 10 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals, 1.5 blocks per game—isn’t just good for a freshman. It’s the kind of all-around production that makes scouts lean forward. Isaac Schade and Josh Marlow of the Locked On Tar Heels podcast have already asked: Could he be the best UNC freshman since Tyler Hansbrough? The comparison isn’t outlandish. Hansbrough averaged 19.7 points and 9.2 rebounds as a freshman in 2005-06. Wilson’s efficiency is higher, his defensive impact more dynamic, and his ability to create for others more advanced. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a game-changer in every phase.Supporting cast members stepped up too. Luka Bogavac added 16 points and six rebounds in his third straight start since Elliot Cadeau’s injury. Jarin Stevenson chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds, while Veerkamp was the only other Tar Heel in double figures. Guard Kyan Evans struggled offensively (1-for-9), but his six assists and five rebounds showed he’s still finding ways to contribute.
What’s Next? A Tough Road Ahead
The Tar Heels are 5-0—their best start under head coach Hubert Davis in four seasons. But the schedule tightens. On November 21, 2025, they face Duke University in a rivalry game that will test their poise under pressure. Then, on November 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, they head to Fort Myers, Florida for the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament to face the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies. Wilson will be looking to extend his scoring streak, and the entire college basketball world will be watching.Why This Matters
UNC’s basketball program, founded in 1789 as the nation’s first public university, has produced NBA legends like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter. But in recent years, they’ve struggled to develop freshmen into instant impact players. Wilson isn’t just breaking records—he’s resetting expectations. His combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ suggests he could be the anchor of a title-contending team. And if he keeps this up? The ACC might have a new MVP before Christmas.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Caleb Wilson’s scoring pace compare to other UNC freshmen?
Wilson’s 100 points in five games averages 20.0 per game, the highest five-game start for a UNC freshman since Cole Anthony’s 106 points in 2019-20. Only Walter Davis and Tyler Hansbrough had higher scoring averages through their first five games in the modern era, but neither matched Wilson’s efficiency (81% FG) or all-around stat line of 20-10-2.5-2-1.5. He’s the first to record three straight double-doubles as a freshman since 1995.
What makes Wilson’s game different from other elite freshmen?
Unlike most high-flying freshmen who rely on athleticism, Wilson combines size, footwork, and basketball IQ. He scores inside with post moves, hits mid-range jumpers, and has the lateral quickness to guard multiple positions. His 12 rebounds and four steals against Navy weren’t flukes—they reflect elite court awareness. He’s also unselfish, averaging 3.5 assists despite being the primary offensive option.
Has any UNC freshman ever won both ACC Player and Rookie of the Week in the same week before?
Only once—Cole Anthony in January 2020. Wilson’s double honor on November 10, 2025, marks the first time since then, and only the third time in ACC history that a freshman has swept both awards in the same week. It’s a sign he’s not just dominating his peers—he’s outperforming upperclassmen across the conference.
What’s the biggest challenge ahead for Wilson and UNC?
The November 21 game against Duke is the real test. Duke’s defense is physical, and they’ve historically contained high-volume freshmen. If Wilson can score 20+ while limiting turnovers against their zone, it’ll confirm he’s not just a novelty—he’s a cornerstone. The Tar Heels’ depth is still unproven, and Wilson can’t carry them alone in March.
Could Wilson be a top NBA draft pick?
If he maintains this pace through January, Wilson could be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Scouts are already comparing him to Jalen Suggs and Victor Wembanyama for his unique blend of size, skill, and defensive versatility. His shooting efficiency and rebounding ability make him a rare modern big man—someone who can stretch the floor without sacrificing interior presence.
How has Coach Hubert Davis managed Wilson’s development?
Davis has been careful not to overload Wilson. He’s played him 30-34 minutes per game—enough to make an impact but not so much that he burns out. The coaching staff has emphasized defensive discipline and transition play, letting Wilson’s natural instincts shine. Unlike past freshmen who were forced into isolation roles, Wilson operates within a structured offense that moves the ball, keeping him fresh and effective late in games.
Fahri Setiawan
Halo, nama saya Fahri Setiawan. Saya adalah seorang ahli dalam bidang judi dan permainan online. Saya sangat menyukai menulis tentang berbagai macam permainan, baik itu video game, permainan kartu, atau permainan kasino. Saya telah menghabiskan bertahun-tahun untuk mempelajari dan menguasai berbagai jenis permainan serta strategi yang terbaik untuk memenangkannya. Melalui tulisan saya, saya ingin berbagi pengetahuan dan pengalaman saya untuk membantu para pemain, baik yang baru atau yang sudah berpengalaman, untuk meningkatkan keahlian mereka dalam perjudian dan permainan.
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