North Carolina Freshman Caleb Wilson Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of Season
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson will sit out the rest of the season after fracturing his right thumb during a non-contact drill at Thursday’s practice, the school announced.
Wilson, a 6-foot-10 freshman, injured the thumb while dunking and has already undergone surgery to repair the break, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Tar Heels confirmed the procedure in a statement released later in the day.
Despite the setback, medical expectations call for Wilson to be cleared for workouts ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected as a top-tier prospect. Most draft boards list him just behind Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.
Wilson’s first year in Chapel Hill was highly productive. Over 24 games he averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks. Injuries, however, have marred the latter part of his campaign. He had been sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured left hand and had targeted a March return before the thumb injury ended his season.
North Carolina has not announced a timetable for Wilson’s post-surgery rehabilitation, but the freshman is expected to resume basketball activities during the pre-draft process.
Source: Hoops Wire
