CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Promising first-year player Caleb Wilson is intensifying his practice regimen for No. 17 North Carolina prior to the crucial clash at No. 1 Duke, but has not yet received approval for full-court drills due to a fractured hand bone, coach Hubert Davis announced Thursday.
The towering 6-foot-10 professional basketball hopeful has been absent from six matchups since he sustained an injury to his left hand in a Feb. 10 defeat in Miami. The affliction affects Wilson’s non-dominant hand, though Davis stated earlier this week that he had removed his protective cast and had been conducting individual drills without physical contact, such as ball-handling and taking shots.
“His recovery is advancing,” Davis remarked Thursday. “He’s been doing personalized training sessions. Having competed on Tuesday, practice was forgone yesterday, and we are scheduled to train today. He is slated to undertake additional activities today. But beyond that, I possess no further details.”
North Carolina holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss in Wilson’s absence, with him posting averages of 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. His injury, sustained during the Miami defeat, occurred only a few days following his 23-point contribution in an exhilarating victory over the Blue Devils, secured by Seth Trimble’s buzzer-beating three-point shot.
The fiercely competitive newcomer has conveyed via social media updates that he aims to rejoin the team this season.
“Caleb possesses a strong desire to participate; he wishes to return to action at the earliest possible moment,” Trimble stated Thursday. “Consequently, I find little to be surprising these days.”
The Tar Heels (24-6, 12-5) have already secured the No. 4 seed at the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Should Wilson be absent from Saturday’s journey to Cameron Indoor Stadium, UNC’s inaugural quarterfinal game in Charlotte would signify a month since his injury occurred.
Duke (28-2, 16-1) has achieved seven consecutive victories following their Feb. 7 defeat at UNC, encompassing a triumph on a neutral court versus then-ranked No. 1 Michigan and a commanding 26-point success last weekend over current No. 13 Virginia.
“Regardless, it presents a significant test for our defensive unit,” Jon Scheyer, Duke’s coach, commented on Wilson’s condition Thursday. “Furthermore, my genuine aspiration is for us to adhere to our customary level of play and achievements, irrespective of his participation.”