A perspective from Cullen Schulteis
On March 5, 2026, UNC fans across North Carolina discovered the devastating news: Caleb Wilson would miss the remainder of the season. During a drill, Wilson broke his thumb and was forced to watch his team from the sidelines. Chapel Hill, destroyed by this information, was left with little hope for the rest of their schedule and post-season tournaments, as Wilson had been a star in his freshman year. Caleb provided a dominant presence that allowed for exemplary performances on the court, and an admiration from Chapel Hill fans. Wilson’s presence was reminiscent of UNC’s greatest, Michael Jordan. The resemblance doesn’t stop at UNC, but continues in late June when Wilson was selected fourth overall to the Chicago Bulls, the same city where “His Airness” spent the majority of his career. This is just the surface of connection between the two, as Wilson is yet to play a single NBA regular season game. Although, Caleb has made his goal known of not being just another star, but rather a player on the same status as Jordan himself.
When healthy, Caleb Wilson’s star power was on display in Chapel Hill where his hustle and highlight dunks quickly made him a fan favorite. (Photo by Todd Melet/Chapel Hill Media Group.)
Before his crushing injury, Wilson was a standout player during his first year at UNC. Averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, Wilson instantly became the face of UNC basketball, and won the hearts of Chapel Hill fans. Stats alone are unable to display the brilliance of Wilson’s game consisting of physical moves, a smooth mid-range shot, and flashy finishes around the rim. Being a prominent player in a class replete with future NBA All-Stars, Wilson’s remarkable year led to him being taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Chicago Bulls. This selection made history, as Caleb was the first Tar Heel to be drafted in the top five in over 20 years. Despite a disappointing end to a successful season, as mentioned before, Wilson has exhibited promise for his upcoming NBA career.
To complement Caleb Wilson’s gifts, he follows a determined pattern of work to become an all-time great in this sport. Wilson is a 6’9 forward with a 39.5 max vertical jump (a feat that only about 20% of the league can perform). However, while confronting injury problems, Wilson began working on the weak points in his game: specifically, his three point shot. During his time at UNC, Wilson’s role on the roster didn’t include being a go-to shooter. Shooting was one of Caleb’s sore spots during an otherwise impressive freshman campaign, which led to questioning from NBA scouts before the draft. It was discovered recently that after breaking his thumb, Wilson put up around 2,000 to 2,500 shots a day for over two months. With his hurt hand, he was still resolute to improve by putting up thousands of form shots with the few available ways left to him to practice. Although his injury was upsetting, it may have supported his development through his shot. In a post-game interview, after a breakout shooting game, Wilson said, “You get more confidence because you know you’re putting in the work.”
Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer (27) drives against Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson during the first half of an NBA Summer League basketball game Friday, July 10, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Photo via AP Photo/Ian Maule.)
Caleb Wilson’s talent was undeniable, but post-injury he has raised the bar even further, especially during his NBA Summer League debut. In an intense matchup, guarded by fellow top pick, Cameron Boozer, Wilson put on a phenomenal display by breaking the record for points in a Summer League debut with 35. He also sank seven threes that night. This matched the entirety of three pointers that Wilson hit during his time at UNC, demonstrating his growth during the offseason. After his debut Wilson slightly slowed down, but still averaged a notable 23.5 points and 2.5 blocks across his four summer league games. A positive beginning to his NBA career has shown a bright spot in an otherwise underperforming Bulls team. Chicago fans certainly hope that this is a preview for the rest of his career in order to guide this rebuilding Bulls team to victory, and win their first title since Jordan’s Bulls in 1998.
Debatably his most ideal trait, Caleb Wilson holds a competitive nature that drives his work ethic. Like many of the NBA’s top players, Caleb believes that he can be the best on any night, and strives to be greater than anyone to ever play the sport. Wilson responded to Michael Jordan comparisons after being drafted, saying, “I’m writing my own story. Honestly, I want to be better than Mike.” He showed his high confidence when the subject revolves around his basketball abilities. The 20 year old sensation also spiritedly stated his view on not being the first overall pick, saying, “I played against everyone else (fellow draftees), and I played better. It’s that simple for me. You can check the film. You can check the tapes.” Caleb carries a determined mentality to better himself and his team at all times. He has demonstrated several instances of his winning attitude throughout his span in the NBA Summer League, being more concerned about winning than breaking records. Wilson’s mindset is fueled by a love of the game, which he exemplified in an interview, saying, “I don’t know about all of them (other prospects), but I love basketball. I love this s—!”
Caleb Wilson, right, poses for a photo with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, left, after being selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (Photo via AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura.)
Naturally, being taken from Chapel Hill to Chicago as an inspiring athlete , comparisons to Jordan are going to arise, but these two go much deeper than sharing the same professional basketball path. It’s fair to contrast the two after Wilson was the first UNC player drafted in the top five to the Bulls since Michael himself. However, representing similar teams doesn’t give credit to Wilson’s capabilities that could eventually even rival Jordan. Wilson has given flashes of greatness in his game, and shown similarities to Michael Jordan. Both players are able to slash to the basket for an athletic finish, use physicality, and have solid jump shots. It is evident to spectate Wilson and observe his Jordan-esque game with a modern twist. But, the young star still remains to carve his own path, and his potential is indisputable. Caleb Wilson maintains unreal abilities and grit, as he attempts to become better than the man whose footsteps he’s following by surpassing the “GOAT.”
Cullen Schulteis is a Chapel Hill High School student, who is contributing writer to Chapelboro. Find this piece, and more of Cullen’s work, on his Substack.
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