Caleb Wilson out for season with broken thumb as No. 17 North Carolina falls to No. 1 Duke

The Tar Heels star freshman and NBA prospect will miss the ACC Tournament and March Madness after a freak injury in practice.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, a top NBA prospect, will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken right thumb in practice. The 6-foot-10 forward had been nearing a return from a previous hand injury, but the latest setback ends his lone college campaign just before the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. Without Wilson, the Tar Heels struggled in a 76-61 loss at No. 1 Duke, getting outrebounded 24-10 in the second half.

Why it matters

Wilson's injury is a major blow to North Carolina's postseason hopes, as he was averaging a team-high 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game before the initial hand injury. The Tar Heels have dealt with several key injuries this season, and now must find a way to replace Wilson's production and athleticism as they prepare for the conference and NCAA tournaments.

The details

Wilson suffered the broken thumb in a non-contact drill during practice on Thursday. He had been nearing a return from a fractured left hand that had sidelined him since Feb. 10. Without Wilson, the Tar Heels struggled on the glass against Duke, getting outrebounded 24-10 in the second half. North Carolina had gone 5-1 without Wilson before the latest setback.

  • Wilson was injured in a non-contact drill during practice on Thursday, March 7, 2026.
  • Wilson had been out since suffering a fractured left hand in a Feb. 10, 2026 loss at Miami.
  • North Carolina lost 76-61 at No. 1 Duke on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A 6-foot-10 freshman forward for North Carolina and a projected high NBA draft pick who will miss the remainder of the season with a broken right thumb.

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Seth Trimble

A senior guard for North Carolina who missed nine games earlier this season with a broken left arm.

Henri Veesaar

A North Carolina big man who recently missed two games with a foot issue.

Derek Dixon

A North Carolina player.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, there's tremendous sadness for him. It was a dream for him to play in the ACC and NCAA Tournament. And my heart is broken that he won't be able to do that. But we finished the regular season, now it's time to regroup and move toward the ACC Tournament.”

— Hubert Davis, Head Coach (nbcsports.com)

“He's been devastated ever since because he really wanted to wear that UNC uniform for the NCAA Tournament, and March Madness. So that moment getting taken away from him, I feel like as a friend just hurts me.”

— Henri Veesaar, North Carolina Player (nbcsports.com)

“I had no idea until the next day.”

— Seth Trimble, North Carolina Player (nbcsports.com)

“We just thought it was a sprained thumb during practice. He was able to kind of go through it a little bit. He just said it hurts a little bit, but he thought it was a sprained thumb. Then the next day obviously you find out the news. And that hurt.”

— Henri Veesaar, North Carolina Player (nbcsports.com)

“Obviously, it sucks, I feel for him, that's my guy. I hate to see that happen. But we've got to play. And we're going to have to play going forward.”

— Derek Dixon, North Carolina Player (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.