Caleb Wilson Shines in His First Game as a Tar Heel

UNC's star freshman recorded a double-double in his first outing with the program.

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) warms up before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Caleb Wilson, in his first outing wearing the North Carolina jersey across his chest, looked the part and the kind of player head coach Hubert Davis recruited out of high school.

Wilson, a New Balance brand signee, finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and added three blocks — including one on BYU's star frosh AJ Dybansta (who returned the favor right back the possession after with a block of his own). UNC's offense ran through Wilson, and the Atlanta, Georgia native handled the responsibility well.

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) warms up before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

UNC did not end up with a win, but it learned that Wilson has what it takes to carry his own against tough competition — BYU, preseason No. 8 in the AP Poll, is no cupcake. In the first half, Wilson scored 10 points and shot 4-7 from the field, 0-1 from the three-point line and 2-2 from the free throw line.

The second half saw Wilson continue to pile the stat sheet, with 12 points, 5-10 shooting and 2-4 from the charity stripe — not missing a beat despite the halftime break.

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) on the fast break in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Besides the 19 turnovers North Carolina coughed up to the Cougars, Wilson brought light and laid as one of the positives for Davis to take away after the exhibition. However, as a team, there's still a great number of problems to be solved.

In a locker room filled with senior Seth Trimble (a four-year Tar Heel), junior Henri Veesaar (Arizona transfer), junior Jarin Stevenson (Alabama transfer) and junior Kyan Evans (Colorado State transfer), plus others, Wilson is the foundation of this roster — the tone-setter that feeds UNC energy.

While Trimble has the experience and voice to become the leader his head coach needs him to be, Wilson serves as the face of the program — the player Tar Heel fans are drawn to, despite his youth.

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) shoots as forward Zayden High (1) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

There is a whole season ahead for Wilson, where he will receive more opportunities to record more double-doubles and create the legacy he preached during his first press conference with the media.

As time passes, UNC will form around the 6-foot-10 versatile forward, as Wilson uses chemistry as a personal gauge to determine whether the team's improvement. But it should not go without mention that North Carolina is in the early stages of finding its identity, amidst the roster turnover this past summer — perhaps one that does not lose the ball as much.

Oct 4, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) shoots a free throw in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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