Top NBA Draft Prospect Caleb Wilson Enjoys Historic Game
Caleb Wilson wasn't considered one of the elite NBA draft prospects at the start of the year. He is now, but the UNC product was placed in the tier with Nate Ament, Koa Peat, and Jayden Quaintance rather than with Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson.
He's been nothing short of phenomenal in his freshman season, which may have (for now) reached its early peak in the ACC opener for the Tar Heels. Not only was Wilson his usual dominant self, but he also did something so few Tar Heels have ever done.
Caleb Wilson enjoys historic win vs. Florida State
Caleb Wilson's final stat line from Last week's Tuesday night game was 22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists (to two turnovers), two blocks, and only one personal foul. It just doesn't get much better than that. Wilson shot 60% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line.
The 12th-ranked Tar Heels are not where they are today without him. Wilson's stat line was historic. He is the first UNC freshman ever to score 20 or more in six straight games. He's had a double-double in 10 of 14 games.
Already, he has the third-most 20-point games for a Tar Heel freshman with 10. Only Phil Ford (10 also) and Tyler Hansbrough sit ahead of him. Hansbrough has 14, and with so many games left, it's a foregone conclusion that Wilson will surpass him.
In the last 30 seasons, no other UNC player has ever led his team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. Wilson did that against the Seminoles. Only five other Tar Heels, regardless of class status, have ever had 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a game:
- Billy Cunningham
- Mitch Kupchak
- James Worthy
- Joseph Forte
- Luke Maye
Now, Wilson can be counted among them.
Compliments all around
Florida State coach Luke Loucks said via Go Heels, "That's your prototypical UNC pro that's going to go make a ton of money playing basketball, and he's going to help win a lot of games. But I like their team too. I like the big kid, Henri (Veesaar). He does a great job around the rim. And then their guard play, obviously, is just steady."
Speaking of Veesaar, Wilson believes his presence helps open things up for the freshman. "I feel like most teams are going to have to make a decision," Wilson said. "Some teams, they'll try to stop him. Some teams try to focus on me, but honestly, we're just beginning. That's how I feel, and we're gonna keep going, keep pushing."
All of this has Wilson skyrocketing up NBA draft boards. He is now seen as the clear number four behind Boozer, Dybantsa, and Peterson. If this continues, the idea of this class having a "big four" will get a whole lot more traction.
Regardless, Wilson is going to make some NBA team very happy. The forward, even if he goes fourth, is going to land with a team that just missed out on one of those "generational" prospects. He'll make an absolutely terrific consolation prize to whichever team doesn't get the lottery luck.
With Peterson being injured and in and out of the Kansas lineup (not to mention losing head-to-head to Wilson), the UNC freshman could take his place in the top three. Injuries typically don't impact draft stock all that much in the NBA. However, if Peterson doesn't play much and Wilson dominates, there's going to be a big decision with the third overall pick.
Either way, Wilson is clearly set up for greatness. He has a ton of what NBA scouts love to see. Plus, he's absolutely dominating the college game. His per-36 rebound number exceeds every other first-round draft prospect. He's got everyone's attention, including former UNC players.
