Things are looking up for the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team. North Carolina (24-6, 12-5 ACC) has won four straight and earned a double bye in next week’s ACC Tournament, with Caleb Wilson expected to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Whatever passion and hope Tar Heels fans may have had for their team, it took a huge blow Friday afternoon. Wilson broke his left forearm against Miami (Fla.) but recently had the cast removed and will now miss the season.
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This time, Wilson’s injury was different. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Wilson broke his thumb while dunking during a non-contact drill on Thursday.
With Wilson healthy, you’re looking at UNC as a serious contender for the NCAA title. Wilson combines speed, size, defense and dunking ability with a lethal mid-range and occasional three-point shooting ability.
Now, North Carolina will lose its freshman superstar, heartbreaking news that couldn’t come at the worst time. Wilson leads the Tar Heels in several categories: points (19.8), rebounds (9.4), steals (1.5) and blocks (1.4) per game.
Just like the past six games, UNC will continue to look for producers elsewhere on its roster. Henri Veesaar’s return from a brief injury is now a blessing in disguise, while the likes of Seth Trimble and Luka Bogavac have also stepped up when needed most. The Jarlin Stevenson transfer looks even better now, as he brings the same size and defensive ability as Wilson and has a nice shot in his back pocket.
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As North Carolina prepares for Saturday night’s rematch against Duke, take a look at some of the reactions on social media to Wilson’s season-ending injury:
It’s really not fair… Caleb Wilson loves UNC
Caleb Wilson is UNC’s most dynamic player.
Don’t leave us like this, General Wilson 🙁
Even Duke fans hate Caleb Wilson’s injury.
Thank you, Caleb Wilson.
Caleb Wilson changed the face of UNC in just one year!
UNC could definitely use Caleb Wilson’s offensive prowess right now…
A blessing in disguise?
Who is chopping onions?
This has nothing to do with curses.
It’s been a while since UNC has had so many injuries.
Caleb Wilson, Motivator
National championship game coming up?
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Social media reaction to Caleb Wilson’s recent injury
