UNC Coach Hubert Davis Praises Caleb Wilson: “Unlike Any Other Player I’ve Ever Coached……
Chapel Hill, NC – University of North Carolina men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis didn’t hold back when asked about the impact of one of his brightest young stars, Caleb Wilson. In a recent press conference, Davis gave high praise to the standout forward, calling him “unlike any other player I’ve ever coached,” a statement that has sent waves through the college basketball world and ignited excitement among Tar Heels fans.
Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 phenom who has been dominating headlines since his commitment to UNC, has quickly proven to be more than just a highly-ranked recruit. With a rare combination of size, skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Wilson has already made his mark on the court — and in the locker room. His performance during summer practices and exhibition games has left coaches, teammates, and scouts raving.
“Caleb is special,” said Davis, who is entering his fifth season as head coach of the Tar Heels. “It’s not just his talent. It’s the way he approaches the game. He’s got an advanced understanding of basketball that’s rare in someone his age. His work ethic, his leadership, his poise — those are the things that separate him.”
Davis, a former UNC star himself and longtime assistant before taking over the program in 2021, has coached his share of elite players — from NBA draftees to All-Americans. But in Wilson, Davis sees something different.
“He’s versatile in a way that allows us to do so much more as a team,” Davis continued. “He can guard multiple positions, run the floor like a guard, shoot from deep, and facilitate offense. He makes everyone around him better.”
Wilson, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top three prospects in the 2025 class. His decision to join UNC was seen as a major recruiting win for Davis and his staff, especially amid growing competition from powerhouse programs like Kentucky and Duke. Since stepping on campus, Wilson has exceeded expectations with his maturity and seamless integration into the team culture.
“I just want to win,” Wilson said during a media session last week. “Coach Davis has believed in me from the start. I want to give everything I have to this team, to this school. It’s an honor to wear this jersey.”
Wilson’s teammates have also taken notice. Senior guard R.J. Matthews described Wilson as “a game-changer — on and off the court.”
“He’s the kind of player that raises the bar for everybody,” Matthews said. “You see how hard he works, how focused he is, and you want to match that energy. He’s already one of our leaders.”
As the Tar Heels prepare for the 2025–2026 season, much of the attention will remain on Wilson and his anticipated debut in Chapel Hill blue. With lofty expectations and comparisons already swirling — some even mentioning him in the same breath as former UNC greats like Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter — the pressure is on. But Davis is confident that Wilson has the mentality and tools to thrive.
“He doesn’t get caught up in the hype,” Davis said. “He stays grounded. He stays hungry. That’s what makes him different.”
Tar Heel fans will get their first official look at Wilson during the season opener against Michigan State this November. And if early signs are any indication, they may be witnessing the beginning of a truly historic college basketball career.