Four more days. That's how long Tar Heel Nation has to wait until the UNC basketball team officially begins its highly-anticipated, 2025-26 campaign.
North Carolina transformed its entire roster in the offseason, upgrading in talent and size across the board. One of the Tar Heels' greatest upgrades is prized freshman Caleb Wilson , a Top-10 recruit ready to take on a large workload.
Speaking of Wilson, he recently earned a pretty massive preseason nomination. On Thursday afternoon, Wilson earned a spot on the Karl Malone Award Preseason Watch List.
Joining Wilson on the list are several notable names, like Duke freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg and UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau.
This award, named after NBA Hall-of-Famer Karl Malone, is annually awarded to the top power forward in college basketball. The nominating committee must think highly of Wilson – rightfully so – as he hasn't played an official minute of college hoops yet.
Wilson dazzled through both of UNC's preseason matchups, a 78-76 loss at BYU and a 95-53 domination of Winston-Salem State.
Fans first witnessed Wilson's potential in Salt Lake City – with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in 33 minutes against the Cougars. On Wednesday against WSSU, Wilson added a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double and three blocks. Wilson shot 9-of-13 from the field, while draining all five of his free throw attempts.
Wilson is a defending state champion and Georgia's reigning Gatorade Player of the Year, so he already brings plenty to the table. If Wilson can replicate his preseason performances when the games count, North Carolina has a special talent on its hands.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC's Caleb Wilson nominated to Karl Malone Award Watch List
