The locker room was silent when Caleb Wilson made his statement. Not because anyone disagreed, but because freshmen don’t usually declare war on entire conferences. For UNC, though, maybe that’s exactly what they needed after last season’s early exit.
Why Is Caleb Wilson So Confident About the 2024-25 Season?
The 2024-25 season ended with a familiar sting for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels. UNC finished with a 23-14 overall record, going 13-7 in the ACC, but exited the NCAA Tournament far earlier than the fanbase had hoped. However, since Davis rebuilt the roster, there seems to be new confidence in Chapel Hill.
And Wilson might be leading the charge in letting everyone know it.
Since the Dean Smith era, UNC basketball has wrestled with expectations of discipline and poise. Smith’s teams were notoriously composed, and players refrained from trash talk. Davis, a longtime disciple of Smith’s philosophy, is recreating Smith’s legendary discipline, which is no small task. The post-Smith Tar Heels have often looked a little more human, and the latest comment from Wilson says it’s the beginning of something entirely new.
Wilson recently went viral with his unfiltered take on UNC’s fiercest rivals. In the clip, Wilson said, “Hey, we’re on a podcast right now, and I’m going to tell you how I’m feeling. I don’t like Duke, I don’t like NC State, I don’t like Wake Forest. This year, we’re putting a belt on everybody. I’m talking about a real belt, sparkle bedazzled. You already know what time it is. Stay up, Tar Heels winning the day on that.”
It’s a bold declaration, especially from a freshman. Considering the statement’s weight, Wilson’s teammates didn’t take long to weigh in.
How Did Kyan Evans Respond to Wilson’s Bold Claims?
Kyan Evans, a returning junior guard expected to anchor the backcourt, offered a measured perspective on Wilson’s statement.
As Evans sees it, “Um, you know, I really haven’t thought too much into it yet. I mean, we’re just trying to get better every single day now. I know Caleb feels a little bit differently, but he’s young and confident, and we love him for that, for sure. So, I mean, I’m glad he feels that way.”
Despite the reserved reaction from Evans, Wilson’s confidence isn’t unfounded. The 6-foot-10 forward enters Chapel Hill with credentials. Wilson was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Georgia, a McDonald’s All-American, and a Jordan Brand Classic standout, where he led his team to a win with 28 points. With averages of 21.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and five assists as a senior, he has the skill to back his bravado.
The timing of Wilson’s comments comes amid a roster overhaul, making his confidence more valid. Eight of the nine rotation players from last season’s first-round NCAA exit are gone. In their place are a mix of transfers, top recruits, and international talent.
What New Talent Makes UNC Dangerous This Season?
The Tar Heels have Evans returning this season. Evans is one of the ACC’s deadliest snipers, shooting over 44% from three-point range. Last season, Evans started all 36 games and averaged 10.6 points and 3.1 assists while making 70 of 157 three-pointers.
Senior Seth Trimble, the only other rotation holdover, finally has a roster of shooters around him, giving him a chance for a career year as a first-step slasher and transition threat. In his junior season, Trimble averaged 11.7 points.
Freshman Luka Bogavac, 22, also joins the team with his European touch. He is averaging 14.9 points per game in the Adriatic League while shooting north of 40% from deep. Wilson anchors the frontcourt with his 6-foot-10 frame, elite athleticism, and two-way versatility, projecting as a potential lottery pick.
There’s also Henri Veesaar, a 7-footer from Arizona who adds rim protection. Last season at Arizona, Veesaar averaged 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and shot 59.2% from the floor. He looks ready to add size to the front court this season, something UNC struggled with last season.
Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson spaces the floor with his perimeter shooting and can slide into a jumbo lineup alongside Wilson and Veesaar. Jonathan Powell, Derek Dixon, and Jaydon Young bring 3-and-D versatility and depth at multiple guard spots.
Despite the roster’s depth, Wilson just poured fuel on a fire that has been burning for a while now. The Duke-UNC matchup is legendary, with 145-120 all-time in Carolina’s favor. NC State and Wake Forest have a history of intense contests, from Tim Duncan-led Wake triumphs to ACC tournament classics
As the Tar Heels prepare to tip off, the new mix of confidence, talent, and declarations could mean a season as exciting as it is unpredictable.
