Caleb Wilson Chooses North Carolina Over Kentucky in Major Recruiting Win

Caleb Wilson Chooses North Carolina Over Kentucky: A Major Recruiting Win for the Tar Heels

In the world of college basketball recruiting, few decisions are as eagerly anticipated as those of top-ranked prospects. On Thursday, the basketball community was abuzz with the news that Caleb Wilson, a top-10 senior and one of the highest-ranked uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class, has made his choice. Wilson announced that he will be attending North Carolina, choosing the Tar Heels over the Kentucky Wildcats.

Ranked No. 6 in the ESPN 100, Wilson also considered Ohio State in his final three schools. His decision to join North Carolina is a significant boost for the Tar Heels, who have been vying for top talent under coach Hubert Davis.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Wilson shared his reasons for choosing North Carolina. “I picked North Carolina because of their culture and the history of the program,” he said. “They were my first blue blood [offer]. Last year I went to the Duke at UNC game. I was courtside and it was a great experience. It was everything I was looking for in a program.”

The Recruitment Journey

Wilson’s recruitment journey has been a long and winding road, with several schools appearing to be favorites at different times. John Calipari, while at Kentucky, made Wilson a priority early on and continued to pursue him even after moving to Arkansas. As the recruitment process unfolded, Kentucky and North Carolina emerged as the frontrunners, while other schools like Tennessee, UCF, and Georgia Tech gradually fell out of the race.

In recent weeks, the Wildcats and Tar Heels seemed to be in a tug-of-war for Wilson’s commitment. However, Hubert Davis managed to secure his first five-star recruit of the cycle, marking a crucial victory for the North Carolina coach. Davis had previously missed out on top targets such as A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1) and Braylon Mullins (No. 25).

Wilson expressed his admiration for Coach Davis, saying, “I love the passion and energy of coach Hubert Davis. I know he will push me to be my best and love me at the same time. He is a truth teller, and that’s what I want. We have watched film together. He tells me where I can be better. He is a man of faith, and we have a great connection. He plays his freshmen, too. I plan to help UNC win and win big. Then hopefully I can have a chance to be a one-and-done.”

Wilson’s Impressive Skills and Achievements

Standing at 6-foot-9, Wilson has been recognized as one of the elite frontcourt prospects in the 2025 class for the past couple of years. His performance on the Nike EYBL circuit as a junior was impressive, averaging 15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He further showcased his talent by teaming up with Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer on Nightrydas Elite to win a Peach Jam championship last summer. At the Peach Jam, Wilson averaged 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in eight games, shooting an impressive 62% from the field.

Wilson’s standout attributes include his length, explosiveness, and vertical bounce, complemented by a quick second jump. Over the past year, his ball skills in both transition and the half court have improved significantly. His agility allows him to move in any direction, enhancing his ability to score inside a crowded paint. As an off-ball cutter, his footwork, quickness, and movement make him highly effective. What makes him a matchup nightmare is his ability to step out and make 3s, handle the ball to keep defenses honest, and his growth as a willing passer with vision. Defensively, Wilson is a versatile player who can switch and stay in front of the ball or defend the low post.

Looking Ahead for the Tar Heels

With Wilson’s commitment, the Tar Heels now boast three ESPN 100 prospects in their 2025 recruiting class, with Wilson joining four-star guards Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis. The offseason could be busy for Davis and his staff, as RJ Davis is out of eligibility, and freshmen Drake Powell and Ian Jackson are projected first-round NBA draft picks.

Currently, North Carolina is facing challenges, struggling for the second time in three seasons. They have lost their past two games to Stanford and Wake Forest, dropping to 12-8 overall and 5-3 in the ACC as they prepare for Saturday’s game against Boston College.