Top-10 possibility Wilson chooses UNC over Kentucky

• Jeff Borzello Close Jeff Borzello ESPN Staff Writer Basketball recruiting insider. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.Paul Biancardi Close Paul Biancardi Basketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of training experience at Division I

  level Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State Jan 24, 2025, 01:24 AM

• ET Top-10 senior Caleb Wilson, one of the highest-ranked
• uncommitted potential customers staying in the 2025 class, announced

Thursday he has picked to attend North Carolina over Kentucky.Wilson, No. 6 in the ESPN 100, likewise included Ohio State in his final 3 schools. “I picked North Carolina since of their culture and the history of the program,”Wilson told ESPN.”They were my first blue blood [offer]

. Last year I went to the Duke at UNC game. I was courtside and it was a terrific experience. It was everything I was searching for in a program. “The 6-foot-9 Wilson had a long, drawn-out recruitment with numerous schools appearing like the favorites along the method. John Calipari made Wilson a top priority early on while he was at Kentucky, and then continued to pursue him when he moved to Arkansas. As Wilson’s recruitment advanced, though, Kentucky and North Carolina moved into the leading tier, while the similarity Tennessee, UCF, Georgia Tech and others faded.Editor’s Picks 1 Associated The Wildcats and Tar Heels appeared to go back and forth in recent weeks, however UNC coach Hubert Davis was able to close his

very first first-class recruit of the cycle. It’s a critical recruiting win for Davis, who had actually previously missed on top targets A.J. Dybantsa(No. 1), Braylon Mullins (No. 25 )and others. “I love the enthusiasm and energy of coach Hubert Davis,”Wilson stated.”I know he will press me to be my finest and love me at the same time. He is a truth teller, and that’s what I want. We have actually viewed film together. He informs me where I can be better. He is a male of faith, and we have a terrific connection. He plays his freshmen, too. I prepare to help UNC win and win big. Then hopefully I can have a chance to be a one-and-done.”Wilson has actually been considered among the elite frontcourt potential customers in the 2025 class for the past number of years. He averaged 15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the Nike EYBL circuit as a junior, then followed it up by coordinating with Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer on Nightrydas Elite to win a Peach Jam champion last summer season. He was terrific at the Peach Jam, averaging 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 8 games while shooting 62 %from the field.Wilson’s most evident attributes are his length, volatility and vertical bounce with a quick 2nd jump. His ball skills in both transition and the half court have enhanced over the past year, while his agility to relocate any instructions is a huge asset and has actually improved his ability to score inside a congested paint. He’s effective as an off-ball cutter because of his footwork, quickness and motion. What makes him a match problem is his ability to step out and make threes and deal with the ball to keep defenses honest, while also growing as a prepared passer with vision. At the other end of the flooring, Wilson is a switchable protector who can remain in front of the ball or protect the low post.The Tar Heels now have three ESPN 100 prospects in their 2025 recruiting class, with Wilson signing up with four-star guards Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis. Davis and his staff might have a hectic offseason, as RJ Davis is

out of eligibility and freshmen Drake Powell and Ian Jackson are predicted first-round NBA draft picks.Carolina is having a hard time for the 2nd time in three seasons, losing its previous two games to Stanford and Wake Forest to drop to 12-8 total and 5-3 in the ACC entering Saturday’s game versus Boston College.