Caleb Wilson has played only three college basketball games for North Carolina, but the freshman forward is already drawing comparisons to one of the most dynamic young stars the sport has seen in recent years — Duke’s Cooper Flagg. With Wilson producing at an elite level right out of the gate, analysts and fans are beginning to wonder if the Tar Heels have landed their own two-way superstar in the making.
Wilson has averaged 19.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across his first three collegiate matchups, an output rarely seen from a freshman adjusting to ACC-level competition. Even more impressive is his efficiency, knocking down over 61 percent of his shots and showing confidence in both the mid-range and downhill attack. For a player barely settling into the UNC system, the numbers are eye-catching.
The comparisons to Flagg come naturally. Just a year ago, Cooper Flagg took the nation by storm at Duke, posting strong all-around numbers and quickly proving he could dominate games on both sides of the floor. His blend of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive versatility made him one of the most complete freshman prospects college basketball had seen in years.
Wilson’s early productivity mirrors what made Flagg stand out. Both players entered college with big frames, advanced skill sets, and unique mobility for their size. While Flagg was praised for his elite defensive instincts, Wilson has shown flashes of similar upside, using his length and timing to disrupt plays and protect the rim. Though not yet at Flagg’s defensive level, Wilson’s foundation is clearly promising.
Offensively, Wilson may even be ahead of where Flagg started. His scoring efficiency, shot selection, and comfort operating from multiple spots on the floor have given UNC a reliable go-to option just three games into the season. Coaches have highlighted his maturity and his ability to play within the system while still being aggressive in transition and half-court sets.
Rebounding has been another shared strength. Wilson’s 8.3 boards per game place him nearly identical to Flagg’s early numbers, reinforcing the idea that both players impact possessions on both ends. Wilson’s combination of timing and vertical athleticism has allowed him to control the glass against older, stronger competition.
Playmaking has also surfaced as an underrated element in Wilson’s game. His three assists per contest show his willingness to move the ball and read defenses, something Flagg excelled at during his freshman campaign at Duke. While Flagg was more advanced as a facilitator, Wilson’s early performances suggest he can develop into a similar multi-threat forward.
What ultimately fuels the comparison is their shared potential. Flagg entered college with the reputation of a generational talent, and by season’s end he validated the hype. Wilson, meanwhile, is carving out his own spotlight, proving game by game that he may possess the tools to reach a similar level of national recognition.
UNC coaches and insiders have praised Wilson’s work ethic, competitiveness, and ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. Those traits are often what separate good freshmen from great ones, and Wilson appears to have embraced the responsibility of playing a major role early in the season.
The biggest question now is sustainability. Can Wilson maintain this level of production once conference play intensifies? Can he expand his defensive impact to match what Flagg displayed as a freshman? If the answer to both is yes, the Tar Heels may have discovered a star capable of shaping the program’s future.
For now, the comparisons are flattering — and deserved. Caleb Wilson’s first three games have positioned him among the most impressive freshmen in the country, and if he continues trending upward, his name may soon be discussed alongside Cooper Flagg not just in comparison, but in competition for national attention.
