North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson has played a major role in shaping the Tar Heels’ season, and it’s gotten the attention of many around the nation. While his production has been seen on the court, the respect he’s earned from opposing coaches continues to come in left and right, too.
Georgia Tech head coach Damon Stoudamire had massive praise for Wilson this week, adding that he’s upset that he let him get out of Georgia.
“Ah, man, you’re just gonna rub it in my face he’s coming home to play,” Stoudamire said, per Rodd Baxley. “Caleb is really good. Obviously, watched him play at Holy Innocents. Really good kid, comes from a good family… “Caleb is as good as any freshman in the country; he's proven that,” he said. “His impact on North Carolina has been tremendous.”
Having followed his high school career closely, the Yellow Jackets’ head coach said Wilson’s early success at North Carolina hasn’t surprised him at all.
“And the crazy thing about it, nothing stands out at me that I knew he couldn't do,” Stoudamire said. “This is what I expected of him, to be honest with you.”
His own head coach feels the same way, as Hubert Davis had nothing but good things to say about him.
“I think I said this to (assistant coach) Jeff Lebo, that I'm just, specifically for (Wilson), just so thankful that I've gotten an opportunity just to be able, obviously, to coach him, but just to have a front-row seat of seeing this kid just develop and continue to get better,” Davis said.
With the NBA in his sights, it’s obvious that he has a real chance to be one of the first four picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Stoudamire believes he’ll be a star at that level.
“He's a dude that, long beyond his college career, he's gonna be a mainstay at the next level,” Stoudamire added.
As the season progresses, Wilson’s role will only get bigger. With conference play in full swing, he’ll have to continue being this good for UNC to be the team it wants to be.