Prolonged Caleb Wilson absence would be hard for North Carolina to overcome

Losing Wilson for any amount of time, let alone this close to the start of the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, could greatly lower the Tar Heels' ceiling. Wilson has undeniably been North Carolina's best player, leading the team in points, rebounds, steals and blocks and ranking second in assists.

Even after suffering his hand injury Tuesday, Wilson led the Tar Heels with nine points after halftime against the Hurricanes while also adding two blocks.

He's a force multiplier for Associated Press No. 11 North Carolina (19-5, 7-4 in ACC), which will need its upperclassmen to step up in his absence, including center Henri Veesaar, who is second on the team in scoring (16.4 points per game), and four-year Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble, who ranks third (13.5 points per game). Junior Jarin Stevenson, an Alabama transfer, should also remain in a larger role after starting the past two games.

The Tar Heels might be most impacted on the defensive end. Per KenPom, they rank 12th among ACC teams in conference games in adjusted defensive efficiency. North Carolina has struggled to defend the three-point line, with conference opponents shooting 40.2 percent from deep.

Remaining games against the NC State Wolfpack (18-7, 9-3 in ACC), No. 24 Louisville Cardinals (18-6, 8-4 in ACC), No. 20 Clemson Tigers (20-5, 10-2 in ACC) and No. 4 Duke Blue Devils (22-2, 11-1 in ACC) pose the biggest challenges for the Tar Heels as they navigate life without Wilson, possibly for the rest of the season. As a potential top lottery pick, he doesn't need to risk further injury by rushing a comeback.

North Carolina's season is in danger without Wilson. As long as the forward's out, it can't be viewed as a realistic title contender.