North Carolina star Caleb Wilson out for season with broken thumb

Tar Heels' leading scorer and rebounder suffers new injury in practice, just as he was nearing return from previous hand fracture.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caleb Wilson, a star freshman and high-end NBA prospect for the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels, will miss the remainder of the season after breaking his right thumb in a non-contact drill during practice. The injury comes just as Wilson was nearing his return from a previous fracture to his left hand, and deals a major blow to the Tar Heels with the ACC Tournament and March Madness approaching.

Why it matters

Wilson was North Carolina's leading scorer and rebounder, and his absence will be a significant setback for the Tar Heels as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. The timing of the injury, just as Wilson was close to returning, is especially unfortunate for the team and the player.

The details

Wilson was injured while dunking during Thursday's practice, according to the school's release. He had been cleared for individual work and was increasing his on-court activity, but had not yet been cleared for full 5-on-5 action. The Tar Heels had gone 5-1 in Wilson's previous absence due to the left hand injury.

  • Wilson suffered the right thumb injury on March 6, 2026.
  • He had been cleared for individual work and was nearing a return from a previous left hand fracture suffered on Feb. 10, 2026.
  • North Carolina has its final regular season game against Duke on March 8, 2026, before the ACC Tournament begins on March 12, 2026.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A star freshman and high-end NBA prospect for the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels, who was the team's leading scorer and rebounder before suffering a broken right thumb in practice.

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Before Thursday's practice, coach Hubert Davis said Wilson was increasing his work but had yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 action.”

— Hubert Davis, Head Coach (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Tar Heels will visit Duke on March 8, 2026 for their final regular season game before the ACC Tournament begins on March 12, 2026. North Carolina was already locked into the No. 4 seed at the ACC Tournament with a double-round bye into Thursday's quarterfinals.

The takeaway

Caleb Wilson's season-ending injury is a major blow for North Carolina as they prepare for the postseason. The Tar Heels will have to find a way to replace their leading scorer and rebounder, and overcome the loss of a potential NBA lottery pick, if they hope to make a deep run in the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament.