Caleb Wilson’s Season Ends: UNC Star Suffers Second Hand Injury

Chapel Hill, N.C. – University of North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson will miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 basketball season after breaking his right thumb in practice on Thursday, March 5th. This injury comes just as Wilson was recovering from a previous broken bone in his left hand sustained on February 10th at Miami.

Injury Details and Recovery

The injury occurred during a non-contact drill while dunking, according to a press release from UNC Athletics. Wilson underwent surgery and is expected to craft a full recovery, with clearance anticipated during the NBA predraft process, where he is projected to compete for the No. 1 overall pick in June .

Impact on the Tar Heels

Wilson, Carolina’s leading scorer (19.8 ppg) and rebounder (9.4 rpg), had been cleared for individual workouts after his initial hand injury and was on track to potentially return for the ACC Tournament. He had previously recorded 20 or more points in 17 games this season . Despite his absence, the Tar Heels clinched a double-bye in the ACC Tournament and will play in the quarterfinals in Charlotte on Thursday, March 12th, at 9:30 p.m. .

Looking Ahead

The loss of Wilson is a significant blow to North Carolina’s postseason hopes. Despite the setback, the team will continue to prepare for the ACC Tournament and a potential run in the NCAA tournament. Wilson’s focus will now shift to his rehabilitation and preparation for the 2026 NBA Draft .

The Tar Heels are scheduled to play at Duke on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. .