Caleb Wilson has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, expressing gratitude for his time at UNC despite a challenging freshman season. He shared his heartfelt decision via social media, thanking his family, coaches, and fans.
Now halfway through April, college basketball programs are starting to see their 2026-27 rosters shape up, largely through the transfer portal.
Teams are also watching players declare for the NBA Draft. Tar Heel Nation hoped Caleb Wilson would return for Year Two, especially after two injuries cut his freshman season short, but UNC's freshman superstar recently made his decision.
On Monday afternoon, in a heartfelt message posted to social media, Wilson officially declared for the NBA Draft in June.
“What’s up Tar Heel Nation? It’s Caleb here," Wilson said. "This past year has best the most fun year of my life. Although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity, I will always cherish this univerrsity and the people that make this place what it is. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina. Wearing number eight, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games. And I’m happy to say every day, I gave it my all. Lastly, I would like to thank my family, coaches, fans and my support system and especially my head coach, the Godfather of Chapel Hill Hoots and my Academic Advisor, Jean, who always checked on me in my toughest times. WIth that being said, I will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Go Heels.”
Wilson was the crown jewel of North Carolina's 2025 recruiting class, which included guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon. Wilson carried high expectations into Chapel Hill, but he thoroughly exceeded them, quickly becoming a household name in college basketball.
Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game during his lone season as a Tar Heel, breaking Tyler Hansbrough's program record for most 20-point games by a freshman. When injury forced Wilson off the court, he was UNC's greatest cheerleader.
Whichever NBA team is lucky enough to land Wilson this summer, they're getting a phenomenal young man and generational basketball talent.
Thank you for a great year in Chapel Hill, Caleb!
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC superstar Caleb Wilson officially declares for 2026 NBA Draft
Caleb Wilson declared for the NBA Draft after a freshman season marked by injuries, expressing gratitude for his experiences at UNC.
Caleb Wilson's freshman year at UNC was impacted by injuries, which limited his playing time but still allowed him to showcase his potential.
In his message, Caleb Wilson thanked his family, coaches, and fans, reflecting on his growth and experiences at UNC before announcing his decision to enter the NBA Draft.
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