The college basketball world’s gone absolutely wild! UNC’s freshman sensation, Caleb Wilson, is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Mock Draft, and scouts are _losing it_. What started as quiet whispers in the offseason has exploded into a frenzy—this 6’9” forward is a Swiss Army knife with stats that scream pro-ready: 20.6 points, 10 rebounds, 67.3% FG from the floor, and a motor that never stops. He’s not just dominating college ball; he’s challenging Cam Boozer for #1 overall prospect, igniting debates, comparisons, and a media storm.
Mock drafts are placing him as high as #4—the Atlanta Hawks might snatch him? A perfect fit for a rebuild, pairing stretch scoring with rim protection. Others slot him at #6 (USA TODAY Sports), predicting _day-one starter vibes, or #11 (Memphis Grizzlies, PFSN) for a stealth pickup that amplifies their youth movement. Why the hype? Wilson handles like a guard, finishes through contact, blocks shots like a shot-stopper, and reads defenses like a veteran. _“He’s a freak,”_ says a league insider. _“Positionless, unstoppable—coaches will dream about him.”_
UNC’s 5–0 with a +24.8 margin of victory? He’s the spark. Coach Hubert Davis is in a sweet dilemma: _enjoy this electric ride… before the NBA swoops?_ Rumor has it one-and-done whispers are loud—if he keeps this pace, the jump’s inevitable. Fans are chanting _#WilsonToTheNBA_. Rivals? Nervous. Next up: brutal tests vs. Duke, Houston. Can he keep climbing? The chase for #1 is on, and the Tar Heels aren’t slowing down.
