All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Pledge Advances Another Step for Top Prep Distinction

Future UNC basketball forward Caleb Wilson survived the latest Naismith cuts.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In this story:

Recent UNC basketball commit Caleb Wilson is among the 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Boys' High School Player of the Year Trophy announced on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Five-Star Out West Names UNC Among Most Active Contenders

Wilson, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound five-star forward checking in at No. 6 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, is averaging 21.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.4 steals, and 3.5 blocks through his 23 senior outings for a Holy Innocents Episcopal School (Ga.) squad that boasts a 19-4 overall record (11-0 in AA Region 5 play).

He's the highest-ranked piece to Hubert Davis & Co.'s three-deep 2025 recruiting class. The Tar Heel collection currently stacks up at No. 8 in the country and No. 3 in the ACC, according 247Sports.

The other gifted talents still in contention for the coveted Naismith honor are guard Darius Acuff Jr. (committed to Arkansas), forward Cameron Boozer (Duke), guard Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), forward AJ Dybantsa (BYU), guard Braylon Mullins (UConn), guard Darryn Peterson (Kansas), forward Koa Peat (uncommitted), guard Brayden Burries (uncommitted), and forward Nate Ament (uncommitted).

Only one UNC basketball recruiting prize has taken home the Naismith Trophy since the prep award's inception in 1987, as eventual 2005 Tar Heel national champion point guard Raymond Felton earned the distinction by shining as a Latta High School (S.C.) senior in 2001-02.

ALSO READ: Brother of Tar Heel Legend Wins Second Consecutive State Title

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball