UNC star freshman Caleb Wilson sidelined with a broken hand

Shelby Swanson, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Feb 12, 2026

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina star freshman Caleb Wilson suffered a broken left hand during the Tar Heels’ loss at Miami on Tuesday night, the school announced Thursday.

Wilson is out indefinitely due to the injury and no timetable has been determined for his return to play, according to UNC.

The freshman from Atlanta suffered the injury in the first half of Miami’s 75-66 win over UNC at Watsco Center, according to a school release. A UNC spokesperson told the N&O that Wilson suffered the injury when he closed out on Miami’s Noam Dovrat 3-point attempt with 5:35 remaining in the first half. Both players hit the hardwood, where Wilson lay for a moment, his face covered by his hands before teammates helped him to his feet.

At the Watsco Center, there were subtle signs of the injury. Wilson briefly glanced at his left hand at the start of the second half. He later approached coach Hubert Davis during a stoppage, pointing to the left hand and shaking his head. Wilson exited shortly afterward for evaluation by UNC trainer Doug Halverson. His mother and sister soon joined him in the locker room as he was tended to.

Wilson returned to play late in the second half with his left hand heavily wrapped. UNC officials said X-rays taken in Miami during the game did not reveal the fracture. It was upon Wilson’s return to Chapel Hill, when further imaging was taken, that the fracture was discovered, per a school statement.

The Atlanta native has been a standout for the Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4 ACC) this season, averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He’s scored in double figures in all 24 games of his freshman campaign, including 17 contests with 20 or more points, setting multiple UNC freshman records.

Wilson leads the nation in dunks (66) and ranks among the ACC’s top five in scoring, rebounding, field-goal percentage (.578) and double-doubles (11). He is currently projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft and on pace to earn All-American honors and compete for multiple national awards.

Wilson’s injury comes at a critical juncture for UNC, which is seventh in the conference and now without its leader in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. With Wilson’s timeline for return unclear, North Carolina faces one of its toughest stretches, including five of its next seven games against likely NCAA Tournament teams: at N.C. State, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Clemson and at Duke.

With Wilson sidelined, the Tar Heels will have to adjust both offensively and defensively as they prepare to host Pittsburgh (19-5, 7-4 ACC) at 2 p.m. Saturday.