Caleb Wilson, a promising young athlete, was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Chicago Bulls during the 2026 NBA Draft held on June 23 in New York City. At just 19 years of age, Wilson’s journey to the NBA seemed almost preordained, although it wasn’t always basketball that held his heart.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wilson recounted that baseball was initially his sport of choice. He explained that his father, Jerry Wilson, was a significant influence on his early love for the game. “I played a lot of sports when I was younger, but basketball is what I stuck with,” he said, indicating that his father encouraged him to pursue excellence in athleticism.
It was a dramatic growth spurt that ultimately swayed Wilson towards basketball. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches now, he emphasised, “Well, I just got really tall. It was chosen for me.” In eighth grade, however, he was two inches shorter, illustrating the rapid development he underwent during his teenage years which led him to pursue the sport.
Prior to this momentous draft, Wilson showcased his talent as a forward at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he cultivated his skills and prepared for a professional career. His commitment to the sport and strong work ethic were highlighted during his appearance on the “Game Over” podcast. He credited his father’s rigorous work mentality for shaping his own dedication toward achieving greatness.
Wilson shared a powerful motto instilled in him by his father: “If you’re sleeping in, somebody’s working.” This perspective has underpinned Wilson’s journey, motivating him to succeed against tough competition and place him among the top five draft picks in his class.
While basketball is now his primary focus, Wilson has not completely put aside his roots in baseball. Just a few months ago, he was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a Savannah Bananas game, demonstrating that his affinity for baseball remains strong, albeit in a more casual context.
Following the NBA Draft, Wilson’s first call was to his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach, Keith “Kiki” Esparza. “He believed in me when I played with the Valley Stars Basketball Academy,” Wilson reminisced, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support throughout his development as an athlete.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s aspirations are firmly grounded in a desire for success on the court. He expressed his ultimate goal for the next decade: “I hope I’ve won some playoff games. That’s really it.” He underlined that while personal accolades are rewarding, the thrill of winning remains the primary motivator for him, stating, “I just hope I’m a great player, but I want to win. Winning is number one for sure.”
As Wilson prepares to start his professional career with the Chicago Bulls, he stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of influence from loved ones. His journey is just beginning, and fans across the league will undoubtedly be watching to see how this talented young player carves his path in the world of basketball.