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Projected top-five pick Caleb Wilson announces 2026 NBA Draft decision
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina Tar Heels star Caleb Wilson has declared for the 2026 NBA draft, he announced on Instagram.

Wilson, a 6-foot-10 forward/center, is widely projected to be a top-five pick in the upcoming draft, which will occur in June.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Wilson appeared in 24 games (31.3 minutes per contest) as a freshman for the Tar Heels, averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 57.8% from the field and 71.3% from the free-throw line. 

He earned numerous accolades for his efforts, including a spot on the AP All-America Second Team.

While Wilson had a stellar season with North Carolina, he missed the team’s final 10 games due to injuries. He fractured his left hand last month and had been sidelined since Feb. 10 — he had hoped to return at some point in March before he suffered a broken right thumb, which required surgery.

The Tar Heels went 19-5 with Wilson in the lineup in 2025-26, but just 5-5 without him, ending the season on a three-game losing streak, including a first-round loss in the NCAA tournament.

Many mock drafts and big boards have Wilson at No. 4 overall in a loaded class. He’s reportedly expected to be cleared for basketball activities during the predraft process.

This article first appeared on Hoops Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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