The North Carolina Tar Heels are entering a new era after deciding to part ways with head coach Hubert Davis following their season, which ended in mid-March. They have now brought on former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to lead the team.
Caleb Wilson Will Head to The NBA
With Malone now at the helm, many players have decided to part ways with the Tar Heels, including forward Caleb Wilson. On Monday, Wilson announced that he will not be returning to North Carolina this season and will instead enter the NBA Draft.
Wilson played in 24 games for the Tar Heels, averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, he missed several games due to a fracture in his hand and later broke his thumb while trying to return to the court in early March, which ultimately sidelined him for the rest of the season.
“This past year has been the most fun year of my life, although it has been filled with a lot of growth and adversity,” Wilson said in his announcement, via On3’s Spencer Haskell. “I will always cherish this university and the people that make this place what it is.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to represent North Carolina, wear number eight. Running out of that historic tournament every day for practicing games, and I’m happy to say every day I gave it my all.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family, coaches, fans and support systems, especially my head coach, the godfather of Chapel Hill (Eric) Hoots and my academic advisors who always checked on me during my toughest times. With that being said, I will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Go Heels.”
ESPN ranked Wilson as the fifth overall player in the 2025 high school class, and he’s now eyeing a top five pick in the draft. While North Carolina successfully recruited a top-five player in Wilson, it may have lost the No. 9 player from this year’s class.
What Does the Mingo Decision Mean For North Carolina
According to Rivals, North Carolina commit Dylan Mingo is reportedly re-opening his commitment as of Monday.
Mingo may want to explore other opportunities now that the Tar Heels have parted ways with Davis and brought on Malone as the new head coach.
Many players tend to reopen their recruitment when a head coach who recruited them leaves the program, as they often feel no connection to the new coach. This might be what Mingo is considering.
Just because Mingo is exploring other options doesn’t mean North Carolina will lose him. At this stage in the recruiting process, it’s difficult for players to connect with new teams since many have already begun welcoming their top recruits on campus in the coming months.
Even if the Tar Heels end up losing Mingo, they should still be in a strong position. Many players will likely see them as a top choice in the transfer portal, especially under a head coach like Malone, who has achieved great success in the NBA.
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