### Six in a Row: Caleb Wilson Sets Unprecedented UNC Freshman Scoring Record in ACC Debut
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a performance that echoed the greatness of North Carolina’s storied basketball tradition, freshman forward **Caleb Wilson** delivered a masterful display in the Tar Heels’ Atlantic Coast Conference opener, leading No. 12 UNC to a commanding 79-66 victory over Florida State on December 30, 2025, at the Dean E. Smith Center.
The 6-foot-10, 215-pound phenom from Atlanta, Georgia, poured in 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, grabbed a season-high 16 rebounds, dished out a season-high-tying six assists, and added two blocks. With his sixth consecutive 20-point game, Wilson became the **first freshman in UNC history** to achieve that feat, surpassing the mark previously shared only with Hall of Fame point guard Phil Ford, who had five straight in 1974-75.
Wilson’s all-around dominance not only secured the win but also placed him in elite company: He is just the sixth Tar Heel ever to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single game, joining legends Billy Cunningham, Mitch Kupchak, James Worthy, Joseph Forte, and Luke Maye.
“This is what Carolina basketball is about,” head coach **Hubert Davis** said postgame. “Caleb is special, but more importantly, he’s playing with a maturity and selflessness that lifts everyone around him.”
#### A Historic Night in the Smith Center
The Tar Heels (13-1, 1-0 ACC) started slowly, trailing early as Florida State (7-7, 0-1 ACC) hung tough. But Wilson ignited UNC’s offense, scoring 11 of the team’s next 17 points after subbing in during the first half. His putback dunk and transition assists sparked a 32-18 run that flipped the momentum.
In the second half, Wilson’s tomahawk dunk capped an 18-3 surge, electrifying the crowd and extending UNC’s lead. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and blocks — the first Tar Heel freshman in 30 years to do so in one game.
Defensively, UNC smothered the Seminoles, holding them to 34.6% shooting and dominating the paint (42-20) and fast breaks (20-4). Senior guard Seth Trimble contributed 20 points and seven rebounds in his return, while transfer center Henri Veesaar added 12 points and 12 rebounds for his eighth double-double.
Kyan Evans chipped in 15 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Tar Heels shot efficiently despite a cold night from beyond the arc overall.
#### Wilson’s Unprecedented Freshman Run
Wilson’s streak began on December 7 against Georgetown and has carried through wins over ETSU, Ohio State, East Carolina, and now Florida State. Through 14 games, he has 10 double-doubles — tying him for third-most 20-point games by a UNC freshman with Ford — and leads the nation in dunks (46).
His season averages stand at 19.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.4 steals on 55.7% shooting. Wilson has scored in double figures in all 14 games, the third-longest streak to start a freshman season in program history.
Analysts have compared his impact to past UNC greats like Tyler Hansbrough and Antawn Jamison. With 10 double-doubles already, he’s just three shy of Jamison’s freshman record of 13.
“Caleb’s energy is infectious,” Trimble said. “When he plays like that, it wakes everybody up.”
#### From Five-Star Recruit to Instant Star
A consensus five-star prospect and top-10 recruit in the Class of 2025, Wilson chose UNC over Kentucky, Duke, and others in January 2025. He arrived in Chapel Hill with McDonald’s All-American credentials, having led Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School to a state title as a senior, averaging 21.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 2.1 steals.
His college debut was electric: 22 points and seven dunks against Central Arkansas. Since then, he’s been a walking highlight reel — rim protection, transition finishes, and improving perimeter skills.
NBA scouts have taken notice. Wilson is projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with some mocks slotting him as high as No. 4. His blend of size, athleticism, versatility, and motor has drawn comparisons to modern NBA forwards.
#### Looking Ahead: A Challenging ACC Slate
The win marked UNC’s ninth straight over Florida State in Chapel Hill and improved their ACC home opener record to 65-8. Next up is a road test at SMU on January 3, 2026 — the Tar Heels’ first ACC away game against the conference newcomer.
With Wilson and Veesaar forming one of the nation’s top frontcourts — the first UNC duo since 1959-60 on pace for 16+ points and 9+ rebounds each — optimism is high in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels’ depth, highlighted by emerging guards like Jonathan Powell and returning veterans, positions them as contenders in a loaded ACC.
As Wilson continues to rewrite the freshman record book, one thing is clear: The Caleb Wilson era at North Carolina is just beginning, and
Leave a Reply