Trending Now - Caleb Wilson Out for Season After Thumb Injury

WHO:

Caleb Wilson, freshman forward for the University of North Carolina (UNC)

Hubert Davis, head coach of UNC

Duke University, opponent of UNC

ESPN, reporting source

Jeremy Woo, ESPN's NBA draft analyst

Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf, ESPN college basketball reporters

WHAT:

Caleb Wilson broke his right thumb during practice on March 5, 2026, while dunking.

Wilson underwent surgery and is ruled out for the remainder of the season.

He had previously missed six games due to a fracture in his left, non-shooting hand sustained on February 10, 2026.

Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season.

UNC is 5-1 without Wilson in the lineup.

The Tar Heels are locked into the No. 4 seed for the ACC tournament.

UNC will play Duke on March 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Duke has a record of 28-2 and has won seven straight games since losing to UNC on February 7, 2026.

WHERE:

University of North Carolina

Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

WHEN:

March 5, 2026: Wilson broke his right thumb.

February 10, 2026: Wilson sustained a fracture in his left hand.

March 7, 2026: UNC vs. Duke game at 6:30 p.m.

March 12, 2026: UNC will play in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament at 9:30 p.m. in Charlotte.

WHY:

Wilson's injury occurred during a non-contact drill while attempting to dunk.

He was "progressing" toward a return to play before the thumb injury.

HOW:

Wilson's thumb injury required surgery, which has led to his season-ending status.

He was cleared for individual workouts prior to the thumb injury.

Caleb Wilson, a freshman forward for the University of North Carolina, broke his right thumb during practice on March 5 while attempting a dunk, leading to surgery and ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This comes after he had already missed six games due to a fracture in his left hand, but despite his absence, UNC has managed a strong 5-1 record without him and is set to face Duke on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where Duke, boasting a record of 28-2, will be looking to extend their seven-game winning streak.