UPDATE: In a thrilling season opener, Caleb Wilson delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, leading No. 12 North Carolina to a commanding 79-66 victory over Florida State on July 15, 2025. This victory marks a strong start for the Tar Heels in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Wilson, a 6-foot-10 freshman, showcased his remarkable talent and athleticism, dominating the court with high-energy plays, including four electrifying dunks. His performance was crucial as the Tar Heels improved to 13-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
Senior Seth Trimble added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kyan Evans contributed 15 points with five 3-pointers. Big man Henri Veesaar also made an impact with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, helping to extend UNC’s best start in over 15 years.
Despite their efforts, Florida State, now 7-7 and 0-1 in the ACC, proved to be a challenging opponent. Under new head coach Luke Loucks, the Seminoles leaned heavily on the 3-point shot, ranking 11th nationally in made threes per game. They entered the game averaging 11.4 made 3-pointers, but struggled in the second half, finishing with 12 of 40 from beyond the arc.
The game featured a significant turning point when UNC executed an 18-3 run to take a commanding 16-point lead midway through the second half. Trimble’s transition dunk and Veesaar’s offensive rebound dunk solidified their lead at 75-61 with just over a minute left on the clock.
“Caleb was our spark tonight,” said UNC head coach. “His energy and effort on the boards made a huge difference.”
Chauncey Wiggins led the Seminoles with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the team shot just 34.8% from the field. The game also featured a rare sight, with UNC donning blue road uniforms at home for only the fifth time in nearly 40 years at the Smith Center.
What’s Next: Florida State will host No. 6 Duke this Saturday, while North Carolina will travel to face SMU on the same day. Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds!
