North Carolina freshman star Caleb Wilson is progressing toward a return after suffering a fractured left hand in a Feb. 10 loss to Miami. Coach Hubert Davis said Wilson is already practicing with a cast on his non-shooting hand and could rejoin the No. 16 Tar Heels 'soon.' The projected top-five 2026 NBA draft pick has been a supportive teammate while sidelined.

Wilson, averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds this season, set a UNC freshman record by scoring in double figures in all 24 games before the injury. His lowest output of the season came in the Miami game where he initially left with the injury but returned to score 12 points in the second half. The severity wasn't known until an MRI in Chapel Hill revealed the fracture.

The Tar Heels defeated Pitt 79-65 on Saturday without Wilson and fellow standout Henri Veesaar. Davis praised Wilson's positive attitude and presence on the sideline during the shorthanded victory. North Carolina faces four upcoming matchups against top-35 KenPom teams, including a March 7 regular-season finale rematch with Duke in Durham that could have significant seeding implications for both teams.