03/06/26 02:30:00
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03/06 14:28 CST North Carolina star Caleb Wilson breaks right thumb in practice
and is out for the season
North Carolina star Caleb Wilson breaks right thumb in practice and is out for
the season
By AARON BEARD
AP Basketball Writer
Caleb Wilson appeared close to returning for No. 17 North Carolina from a
fracture to his left hand, just in time for the peak of March.
Instead, the star freshman and high-end NBA prospect is abruptly done for the
season after suffering a new injury.
The school announced Friday that Wilson will need surgery after breaking his
right thumb in a non-contact drill suffered during Thursday's practice. The
news comes on the eve of a second matchup with No. 1 Duke, less than a week
from the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and roughly two weeks from the
start of March Madness.
It was a shocking change to Wilson's trajectory as the Tar Heels' scoring and
rebounding leader inched his way back from the injury suffered in a Feb. 10
loss at Miami. He had been cleared for individual work late last week, and had
shed his cast and was focusing on non-contact work like dribbling and shooting.
Before Thursday's practice, coach Hubert Davis said Wilson was increasing his
work but had yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 action.
Yet, according to the school's release, Wilson was hurt while dunking later
that day.
Wilson was averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. The team had gone 5-1 in his
absence, including a home win against then-ranked Louisville and Tuesday's win
against Clemson in UNC's home finale.
UNC (24-6, 12-5) visits Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday in its last
game before the ACC Tournament. The Tar Heels were already locked into the No.
4 seed at next week's ACC Tournament with a double-round bye into Thursday's
quarterfinals.
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