The Overlooked Genius in Caleb Wilson’s Game: Why Passing May Be His Superpower
When people talk about Caleb Wilson, the conversation usually starts with athleticism. At six-foot-nine, the five-star freshman phenom has the size, wingspan, and explosiveness that scream NBA lottery pick. His dunk reels go viral, his scoring ability is already polished, and his newly minted shoe deal with New Balance made him a millionaire before he ever stepped onto the hardwood in Chapel Hill.
But behind the highlight dunks and scoring prowess lies an underrated skill one that could make the difference between Caleb Wilson being a great player at North Carolina and becoming one of the most transcendent freshmen the program has ever seen. That skill is his passing.
A Different Kind of Playmaker
Back in high school at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal in Atlanta, Wilson’s games weren’t just showcases of scoring dominance. Watch closely, and you’ll see how he orchestrated the court like a guard. Four-minute clips of his tape reveal him threading passes into traffic, igniting fast breaks with pinpoint outlets, and setting up shooters in rhythm with an almost effortless vision.
It’s not often that a six-foot-nine forward looks as comfortable bringing the ball up the floor as he does throwing down a lob. But Wilson’s confidence in doing both signals something unique: the makings of a true point forward.
Why UNC Needs This Dimension
Head coach Hubert Davis knows his Tar Heels must evolve to climb back to the national championship stage. That’s where Wilson’s passing unlocks new possibilities. Imagine this: Wilson grabs a rebound, pushes the ball in transition, and is flanked on the wings by Kyan Evans, Luka Bogavac, Jonathan Powell, and Henri Veesaar. The defense has no choice but to collapse, giving Wilson the option to either bulldoze to the rim or kick out to an open three-point shooter.
It’s a wrinkle that can throw opposing defenses completely off rhythm. Instead of the traditional inside-out UNC offense, the Tar Heels can attack from anywhere. Wilson doesn’t just create shots for himself he bends defenses until they break.
The Matchup Everyone Wants to See
Wilson’s skill set will face its first major test when North Carolina clashes with BYU, where freshman AJ Dybantsa another projected NBA lottery pick awaits. The two are eerily similar in size and length, and likely to be guarding each other all night.
While fans will expect the scoring duel, the real X-factor could be playmaking. Who makes teammates better? Who sets the tone defensively? Who imposes their will without needing 30 points? If Wilson can outpass and outthink Dybantsa, it won’t just be a win for UNC it’ll be a statement for NBA scouts.
More Than a One-and-Done?
North Carolina struck gold with Caleb Wilson. He has the raw tools to dominate games with athleticism alone, but it’s his passing that could elevate him into rare company. If he leans into the point forward role, Davis could unleash an offense unlike anything Tar Heel fans have seen in recent memory.
Wilson doesn’t need to just be the next great scorer in Chapel Hill. With his vision and feel for the game, he has the chance to be remembered as the most complete one-and-done of the Hubert Davis era a player whose overlooked skill may prove to be his greatest strength.
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