North Carolina star Caleb Wilson could play with an NBA superstar next season.
A new mock draft has North Carolina star Caleb Wilson playing with an NBA superstar next season.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has the Los Angeles Clippers drafting Wilson with the fifth pick in this year's draft. That would pair Wilson with future Hall of Famer Kawhi Leonard and All-Star point guard Darius Garland.
Wilson appeared in 24 games for UNC this season. He averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest while shooting 57.8% from the field, 25.9% from beyond the arc and 71.3% from the free-throw line.
Wilson was named a second-team Associated Press All-American, a distinction that will ensure that he will be included among the honored jerseys in the Smith Center rafters.
Wilson announced on X that he's declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. Here is what the youngster said:
"What's up Tar Heel nation. It's Caleb here," Wilson said. "This past year has been the most fun year of my life. Although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity, I will always cherish this university and the people that make this place what it is. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina. Wearing No. 8, running out of that historic tunnel every day for practice and games and I'm happy to say every day I gave it my all.
"Lastly, I would like to thank my family, coaches, fans and support system, especially my head coach, the Godfather of Chapel Hill Hoots and my academic advisor Jenn, who always checked on me in my toughest times. With that being said, I will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Go Heels."
If the Clippers don't trade Leonard this offseason and they land Wilson, head coach Tyronn Lue could have a talented core of Wilson, Leonard, Garland and Bennedict Mathurin.
Many draft scouts have compared Wilson to six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O'Neal. If Wilson can have a career like O'Neal's, that would be a huge success.
Tar Heels Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things North Carolina Tar Heels. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.