With this year’s freshman class shaping up to be one of the strongest college basketball has seen in years, North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson has quickly separated himself as one of the must-watch newcomers in the nation.
The highly touted forward entered the week already drawing national attention, and his performances through the first stretch of the season have only strengthened his early reputation as a rising star.
Through UNC’s first four games, Wilson has been nothing short of spectacular. He entered Tuesday’s matchup against Navy averaging 20 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, showcasing both scoring efficiency and dominance on the glass. His combination of athleticism, touch, and versatility has made him a perfect fit in the Tar Heels’ system and a major reason for the team’s undefeated start.
But against Navy, it took Wilson a little time to find his rhythm. The freshman opened the game with a quieter first half than usual, as UNC looked for an offensive spark. However, as he has repeatedly shown early in the year, Wilson doesn’t stay quiet for long — and the second half became a highlight reel of his elite potential.
Midway through the final 20 minutes, Wilson completely took over the game. In a span of just a few possessions, he delivered three consecutive dunks, each more emphatic than the last, instantly bringing energy back into the Dean E. Smith Center. His scoring burst blew the game wide open and shifted full momentum toward the Tar Heels as they began to pull away.
One of those finishes, a towering one-handed slam, immediately became the signature play of the night. Wilson elevated through the lane with authority, rising above multiple defenders before hammering down a one-handed dunk that had the Dean Dome shaking. Fans erupted, teammates swarmed him, and the play instantly became a viral moment.
Watch as Wilson elevates to throw down a huge dunk:
It didn’t take long for the clip to make its rounds on social media, with fans, analysts, and national outlets sharing the highlight across multiple platforms. The combination of Wilson’s explosiveness, timing, and confidence made the dunk one of the most memorable individual moments of UNC’s young season — and another reminder of why the freshman has already become a breakout attraction.
As the season moves forward, Wilson’s stock continues to rise, and performances like Tuesday night only reinforce that he is one of the most dynamic young players in the country. If he maintains this level of production and continues delivering electric plays, he won’t just be one of the best freshmen in college basketball — he’ll be one of the best players in the sport, period.
