Caleb Wilson’s Injury
The North Carolina Tar Heels have suffered a significant setback with the loss of their freshman standout, Caleb Wilson, who has sustained a fracture in his left hand. The university confirmed the injury on Thursday, which came just two days after the team’s defeat against Miami, where Wilson played despite showing signs of distress.
Impact on the Team
This injury poses a substantial challenge for the 11th-ranked Tar Heels as they approach the critical period leading up to the NCAA Tournament, just a month away. Wilson, a 6-foot-10 forward from Atlanta, has been pivotal for the team, averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, and is viewed as a top NBA prospect.
Game Performance
During the game against Miami, Wilson was seen leaving the court and later returned with heavy taping around his wrist and palm, ultimately finishing the match with a disappointing 12 points, marking his lowest scoring output of the season.
Recovery Timeline
Initially, x-rays taken during the match showed no fractures. However, further imaging performed upon the team’s return to Chapel Hill identified the fracture, leading to ongoing evaluations to better understand Wilson’s recovery timeline. As he currently ranks sixth nationally among freshmen scorers, his absence could greatly impact the team’s performance in the coming weeks.