Caleb Wilson stats, 13 observations from UNC basketball exhibition game vs BYU

UNC basketball’s 78-76 loss vs. No. 8 BYU won’t matter on Selection Sunday ahead of March Madness, but we still learned something about the Tar Heels before the ball is tipped in November.

It’s important to remember it’s still the preseason. But even in October exhibition games that don’t count against a team’s record, fans often feel the need to overreact to what they see before the regular season gets underway.

The 25th-ranked Tar Heels close their preseason schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 29 (7:30 p.m., ACC Network Extra) against Division II opponent Winston-Salem State at the Smith Center.

HIGHLIGHTS: UNC basketball vs BYU highlights, Tar Heels lose exhibition game

Here are 13 observations from the Tar Heels’ preseason opener vs. BYU.

Caleb Wilson stats vs BYU show he’s star for UNC basketball

Freshman forward Caleb Wilson looked every bit like a projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft with his unofficial debut vs. BYU. Wilson had a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, along with three blocks in 33 minutes. The 6-foot-10 rookie’s lone turnover came in the opening minutes and he did all of his damage inside the arc, including a 4-for-6 effort at the free-throw line. He looks like the real deal for the Tar Heels.

Seth Trimble, Tar Heels’ fast-break points

Senior guard Seth Trimble had 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals in a team-high 34 minutes. Trimble missed each of his three attempts from 3-point range, but he was incredible in transition. UNC scored 13 of its 18 fast-break points in the second half, with Trimble pacing the team in those situations. Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, Trimble needed two more points to send the game to overtime. He lost control of the ball at the rim in the final seconds of the loss.

Tar Heels had turnover problem vs BYU

UNC had seven turnovers in the first eight minutes against the Cougars, who took an early eight-point lead in the first half. After settling down with a turnover-free stretch, UNC used a 16-5 run to take a brief lead before BYU responded with a 12-3 run to regain control. The Heels had 11 turnovers in the first half and trailed 39-35 at halftime. They finished with 19 turnovers. That was the key stat of the night for UNC.

Zayden High, James Brown struggled as backup centers for UNC

It was a rough start for sophomore centers Zayden High and James Brown. That duo combined for five of the Tar Heels’ 11 turnovers in the first half and neither player recorded a point or rebound. They also combined for three fouls in the first 20 minutes before combining for one minute of playing time in the second half.

UNC had way too many fouls vs BYU

Maybe it was the altitude combined with the pace in an October exhibition, but the Tar Heels had 23 fouls. Five UNC players finished with at least three fouls and BYU shot 26 free throws.

Kyan Evans led UNC in assists, but didn’t make 3-pointer

Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans had four points and a team-high five assists vs. BYU as UNC’s starting point guard, but Evans never got in a groove after picking up two quick fouls. Expected to be among the top 3-point shooters in the ACC, Evans was 0 of 3 from long range and struggled as a smaller defender against BYU’s guard. UNC was 4 of 19 from 3-point range. Evans will be vital to the Tar Heels’ success from deep this season.

Henri Veesaar reliable as UNC center, needs to be more physical

Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar had 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals as UNC’s starting center. He was 5 of 12 from the floor and has to do a better job of defending without fouling, along with cleaning up the defensive glass with some physicality. Still, it’s clear he’s a reliable post option and versatile big.

Tar Heels had 40 rebounds, but gave up too many offensive boards

UNC won the rebounding battle vs. BYU with a 40-38 edge, but the Cougars were relentless in stretches on the offensive glass with 18 offensive boards. BYU’s Keba Keita had 16 points and seven of his 10 rebounds were on the offensive end. Keita was the most physical player on the floor.

Jarin Stevenson guarded AJ Dybantsa, led UNC in turnovers

Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson was the primary defender on BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, who could be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Dybantsa had 18 points on 13 shots, with eight rebounds and three blocks. Stevenson had nine points, including a team-best two 3-pointers, but also led UNC with five turnovers. Dybantsa is a tough assignment in the opener, but Stevenson has shown he can guard multiple positions.

Derek Dixon up-and-down performance

With seven points and three turnovers, Derek Dixon looked like a freshman at times and like a veteran at other points vs. BYU. Dixon scored all seven of his points in the first half before turning it over three times in the second half.

Jonathan Powell has to provide more for Tar Heels

If Luka Bogavac remains out, West Virginia transfer Jonathan Powell will be among the players required to step up for UNC. Powell had three points, four rebounds and displayed his ability as a capable defender.

Luka Bogavac out for UNC vs BYU

International prospect Luka Bogavac is likely to be a starter for UNC, but the Tar Heels didn’t have Bogavac on the court vs. BYU. The 6-6 wing has been cleared by the NCAA, but a university issue is preventing him from playing to this point. The university and athletics department are working toward a solution, but there’s no time table on when he’ll be cleared.

UNC starting lineup vs BYU

Evans, Trimble, Wilson, Stevenson and Veesaar were in UNC’s starting lineup vs. BYU.

Evans, Trimble, Wilson, Stevenson and Veesaar were in UNC’s starting lineup vs. BYU. Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC basketball observations vs BYU in exhibition loss

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