Caleb Wilson makes decision on attending UNC-Duke showdown after season-ending injury

Caleb Wilson’s 2025-26 campaign with the North Carolina Tar Heels is finished. 

The projected top-five pick was preparing to return to action after suffering a fracture in his left hand in February when he endured a season-ending right thumb injury during a Feb. 5 practice. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game in 24 games.

The timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse, as the well-rounded forward isn’t on set to miss the NCAA Tournament but also the Tar Heels’ blockbuster showdown vs. the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday night. 

Will Wilson still be in attendance for the marquee ACC matchup, though? ESPN’s Pete Thamel has a definitive answer.

“Caleb Wilson to be at Duke tonight to root on his teammates,” Thamel reported on X/Twitter Saturday afternoon. “He had surgery on his right thumb yesterday.”

While the Tar Heels will miss Wilson’s jaw-dropping vertical athleticism, effortless finishing in transition (thanks to his long strides), high-pointing ability to pick-and-roll situations, and mid-range game against the Blue Devils, it’s safe to assume they’ll appreciate his support from the sidelines. 

Wilson’s commitment to showing up to the biggest game of UNC’s season positively reveals his true colors.

Despite being inactive, the former five-star recruit is still all-in on the Tar Heels’ program as they attempt to improve to 25-6 overall and 13-5 in ACC play on the final day of the regular season.

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