Tuesday night wasn’t the outcome your North Carolina Tar Heels wanted on the basketball court, but after Saturday night’s thriller, you shouldn’t be surprised.
UNC (19-5, 7-4 ACC) always a hangover after playing Duke – and that showed at Miami (FL). The Hurricanes (19-5, 8-3 ACC) won 75-66 against North Carolina, getting the signature win they needed for serious NCAA Tournament consideration.
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Tar Heels superstar Caleb Wilson struggled by his own standards against Miami, scoring a season-low 12 points and grabbing six rebounds, though he added three blocks. Wilson sprained his left wrist during the contest, which could be a reason behind his off-night.
Still one of the best players in college basketball, Wilson recently earned himself a spot on the Wooden Award Top 20 Watch List.
The Wooden Award is annually given to the best players in men’s and women’s college basketball. Given Wilson’s inclusion in the final 20, it’s safe to say media and college basketball fans everywhere agree he’s amongst the game’s best.
UNC knew it was getting a star in Wilson upon his commitment, but fans never realized he’d turn into one of the game’s most dominant players. Wilson currently averages 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, consistently scoring 20 on any given night, while showcasing a rare combination of hustle and vocal leadership from a freshman.
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If North Carolina doesn’t get Wilson back for Saturday, which should be an easy win against Pitt, it’ll rely heavier on 7-foot center Henri Veesaar. The ACC’s leader in double-doubles, Veesaar can beat opponents offensive down low – or step out and hit the occasional 3-pointer.
The Tar Heels will need Wilson back if they want to chase a seventh NCAA Tournament Championship, so letting him rest Saturday may be the best course of action. Regardless of what happens this season, Tar Heel Nation is forever grateful Wilson chose to play his lone college hoops campaign in Chapel Hill.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Caleb Wilson tabbed a Top 20 finalist for Wooden Award
