Caleb Wilson’s recent comments have sparked major controversy, leaving Kentucky fans wondering whether he’s trolling or giving their recruits high praise. The five-star forward, who recently committed to North Carolina over Kentucky, raised eyebrows when he named four future Wildcats in his list of top five recruits for the 2025 class.
In a video posted by Bleacher Report Hoops, Wilson listed Acaden Lewis, Jasper Johnson, himself, Nate Ament, and Malachi Moreno as his top five players in the class. Interestingly, three of those—Lewis, Johnson, and Moreno—are already committed to Kentucky, while Ament is still considering the Wildcats. With four of the five names having strong Kentucky ties, Wilson’s picks left many wondering if he was being genuine or taking a subtle jab at the program he turned down.
The situation has fueled intense reactions from fans. Kentucky supporters see it as either an unnecessary taunt or a bizarre compliment from someone who just rejected their program. Meanwhile, North Carolina fans are puzzled by Wilson’s decision to exclude any Tar Heels recruits from his list.
Some speculate that Wilson’s remarks could be an attempt to stir the pot, especially given the history of intense recruiting battles between Kentucky and North Carolina. Others believe he’s simply acknowledging talent, regardless of commitments. Either way, the drama has only added to the rivalry between the two powerhouse programs.
As for Kentucky’s coaching staff, their reaction has been measured. While head coach Mark Pope has not publicly addressed Wilson’s comments, insiders suggest the Wildcats are focused on filling the void left by his decision. Losing a top-10 recruit is never easy, but Kentucky remains in the hunt for other top prospects to round out their 2025 class.
Whether Wilson’s comments were meant as a dig or as genuine respect, one thing is clear—he has the basketball world talking. As he prepares for his career at UNC, fans on both sides will be watching closely to see if he can back up his words with his performance on the court.
