Caleb Wilson’s Fractured Hand: Could His Comeback Rewrite UNC’s NCAA Tournament Hopes?

When news hits that Caleb Wilson’s sidelined with a fractured left wrist following UNC’s recent stumble against Miami, it sends an unmistakable ripple through the Tar Heels’ fan base—and believe me, it’s a blow that resonates deeply. Early scans missed the fracture, offering a flicker of hope, only for further tests in Chapel Hill to dash those hopes with that harsh reality check. Wilson isn’t just any player; he’s the engine driving North Carolina’s offense, boasting nearly 20 points and over nine rebounds per game — stats that rank him among the ACC elite. Now, as the team approaches a critical stretch filled with top-tier foes and eyes locked on the NCAA Tournament, the burning question lingers: how long will the recovery bench hold him out, and how will this impact UNC’s championship aspirations? The uncertainty is palpable, the stakes incredibly high, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in charting both Wilson’s comeback and the Tar Heels’ fate. LEARN MORE

How long is UNC’s Caleb Wilson out? Fractured hand recovery time offers clue on NCAA tournament return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caleb Wilson is expected to miss time after suffering a fractured left wrist in Tuesday’s loss to the Miami. North Carolina officials confirm the news on Thursday.

Initial X-rays taken during the game were negative, and the star freshman briefly returned to action after approaching coach Hubert Davis in second half, gesturing toward his left hand. However, additional imaging performed in Chapel Hill revealed the fracture.

“The evaluation process is ongoing to determine the timetable for Wilson’s return,” UNC said in a statement.

The timeline now focused on the Tar Heels’ NCAA Tournament hopes entering the final month of the regular season. Will Wilson’s injury play a role? Right now, that’s still being determined.

The Atlanta native leads UNC with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, ranking fourth in the ACC in scoring and third in rebounding. He has scored in double figures in all 24 games to begin his career and owns 17 20-point performances.

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Wilson finished with 12 points against the Canes. His lowest output of the season after 26 minutes of work. He scored 23 points in a win over Duke last weekend.

Three of UNC’s final seven games come against ranked teams, including a season finale rematch at No. 4 Duke.