UNC freshman draws comparison to 2005 basketball National Champion

Though the North Carolina Tar Heels lost Friday's highly-anticipated, preseason basketball clash at BYU , they gave fans plenty to be excited about.

UNC, ranked 25th in the preseason AP Poll, took a Top-10 team to the wire. Even with no Luka Bogavac, North Carolina still showcased its improved depth and talent.

He's only one game into his Tar Heel career, but freshman Caleb Wilson stole the show Friday night. Wilson shot 9-of-17 from the field across a 33-minute start, recording a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double while blocking three shots.

In a recent episode of the "Locked on Tar Heels" podcast, UNC great Tyler Hansbrough compared Wilson to Marvin Williams, who played a crucial role on the 2005 National Championship-winning team.

“I think for them to reach their ceiling, I think it’s going to expend upon Caleb Wilson and his ability to really grow," Hansbrough said. "I think he’s a player that plays just like Marvin Williams. I think he’s a player that has that type of talent, that athleticism. I think if he develops, we have a guy we can give the ball to at any position on the court – and he can score. I think big picture, if we’re talking about what this team’s capable of doing, I would not rule out a Final Four run if this team reaches its ceiling. And I know it’s very optimistic. When I say big picture, I’m talking about everything gelling together the way it could happen.”

Williams averaged 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game during his lone season at North Carolina, then enjoyed a 15-year NBA career with four different stops.

Wilson is expected to be a Top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft , but he could opt for more NIL money and the college experience, which is arguably better for player development these days. Tar Heel Nation's next chance to watch Wilson comes Wednesday, when Winston-Salem State travels to the Dean Dome for another preseason exhibition.

As UNC progresses throughout its 2025-26 campaign, Wilson should be an everyday starter. Will the star-studded freshman make a name for himself in Chapel Hill?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Tyler Hansbrough compares Caleb Wilson to Marvin Williams