Star North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson's return looms. Recent medical updates hint at a comeback, but concrete clearance awaits crucial imaging.
North Carolina has been patiently waiting for the return of star freshman Caleb Wilson after he fractured his left hand in a 75-66 loss to Miami on Feb. 10.
The forward leads UNC's offense. He's averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Without Wilson, North Carolina has gone 3-1, its only loss coming to NC State in an 82-58 blowout on Feb. 17.
The Tar Heels offense struggled against the Wolfpack, but head coach Hubert Davis got his team to play much better in wins over Syracuse and No. 24 Louisville.
It was unclear if Wilson would return to play again this season after suffering the injury against Miami. He's expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
However, Wilson has a cast on his left hand and is expected to play again for the Tar Heels.
Per Noah Weiskopf of 247Sports, UNC is waiting for imaging to show Wilson can be cleared to return to the court.
"As for Wilson, the timetable remains unclear," Weiskopf wrote. "It has been over two weeks since he injured his left hand against Miami. The fracture in the hand was discovered on an X-ray two weeks ago Thursday.
"He is progressing, but his return largely depends on what further imaging reveals, which could take place any day."
Before UNC's 77-74 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday, Davis said Wilson would return "soon" but wouldn't give further detail on whether that would occur in the regular season, ACC Tournament or NCAA Tournament.
"He would play tonight if I would let him," Davis said. "He just wants to be out on the court badly. He just really does. He's getting better every day.
"We have another doctor's visit later this week (and will) reevaluate the timetable. If everything stays like we think it will, hopefully he'll be back soon."
North Carolina will host Virginia Tech on Saturday night.
The 22-6 Tar Heels are ranked No. 18 before playing the tricky 18-10 Hokies. UNC will host Clemson on Tuesday before traveling to play rival No. 1 Duke to end their regular season.