Tar Heel Treasure: Caleb Wilson Set to Make Two-Way Impact for North Carolina
As Hubert Davis continues to mold North Carolina into a perennial national title contender, the addition of five-star forward Caleb Wilson might just be his most important recruitment yet. Wilson, the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the highest-ranked Tar Heel commit since Cole Anthony in 2019, is already being projected as one of the most dynamic true freshmen in the country next season.
But what makes Wilson so special? According to On3 Insider Jamie Shaw, it’s his two-way versatility, raw potential, and an evolving offensive game that could blossom in UNC’s system right away.
Defensive Disruption: A Freshman with Veteran Instincts
For Shaw, Wilson’s defense sets the floor and it’s a high one. At 6-foot-10 with a long frame, lateral agility, and impressive timing, Wilson’s defensive instincts go well beyond what’s expected of a first-year college player.
“He’s incredibly switchable,” Shaw said. “He’s able to slide his feet, open his hips, switch down. He’s got great off-ball timing getting into passing lanes, weak-side rim protection. And he gives effort.”
Though there’s always a learning curve from high school to college, Wilson’s natural defensive feel and commitment to that end make him a potential All-ACC defender from the jump.
Offense with Room to Grow and Explode
The real intrigue with Wilson lies in how efficient and adaptable his offense can become with the proper spacing and supporting cast. While at Holy Innocents Episcopal in Georgia, Wilson often carried the offensive load, drawing double and triple teams and creating his own shots. That pressure masked some of the cleaner elements of his game, which came alive in more structured environments.
“When he’s in a McDonald’s All-American or USA Basketball setting, where there’s spacing?” Shaw noted. “He consolidates his game. He’s not over-dribbling. He’s diving hard as the roll-man. He’s finishing above the rim. There are going to be some violent dunks.”
Shaw also referenced Wilson’s time playing alongside Cameron Boozer on the Nike EYBL circuit. As the second option, Wilson thrived in pick-and-pop situations, short rolls, and post-ups scoring at a 55–60% clip, a testament to how deadly he can be when freed from the burden of overcreation.
The Blueprint: Wilson’s Fit in Chapel Hill
What’s most exciting for Carolina fans is that Wilson won’t be asked to be the lone savior. He’ll be part of a deep, talented roster, with room to thrive as both a complementary piece and occasional go-to option. At 6’10” with shooting touch, defensive switchability, and the ability to rim-run with purpose, Wilson fits the modern blueprint of a two-way forward.
And in Chapel Hill, that kind of blueprint is often the foundation of championship-caliber teams.
Eyes on the Ceiling — and the Floor is Already High
Wilson’s recruiting pedigree No. 2 power forward nationally, No. 1 player in Georgia comes with big expectations. But Shaw believes he’s ready to meet them.
“I think Caleb Wilson, with spacing? You’re going to see a whole lot more of his offensive game,” he said. “There’s obvious upside on defense, and he could possibly end up being one of the best defensive players in this class.”
For UNC, it means they’ve landed a freshman who could be more than a top recruit he could be the engine of their success next season. Whether it’s as a switchable defender, downhill threat, or rim protector, Wilson’s value will be seen on both sides of the court.
The Tar Heels may have just landed their most complete freshman since the Roy Williams era, and if the pieces around him click, Caleb Wilson could lead North Carolina deep into March and straight into NBA lottery discussions.
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