North Carolina star Caleb Wilson reveals why Kansas game was 'personal' for him - CBS Sports

Caleb's Carolina reveals that a little vision from Kansas Stardon Perryn inspired him before the Jayshawks

Caleb Wilson by North Carolina calls Darin Peterson of Kansas after leading the tar heals to a win over the Jayhawks

Wilson reveals his grudge against the Kansas star and his motivation to win

North Carolina five-star forward Caleb Wilson said Friday that he changes the wallpaper on his phone before every game as a motivational tool to "make sure I'm fired up." He has a list of different options to sort through to ensure maximum play. And on Friday night, before the announcement of No. 25 UNC's 87-74 victory over No. 19 Kansas, he chose a very specific moment and, in the process, heaped shade on his five-star teammate.stars Darin Peterson of KU.

"The wallpaper today was my feeling after the McDonald's All American game," Wilson said."And Darrian Peterson was on my team. So that was my wallpaper."

Peterson, the No. 1 player in the class of 2025, according to 247Sports, was named the game's co-MVP along with Duke freshman Cam Boozer. He finished with 18 points and West defeated East 105-92. Wilson, the No. 8 player in the class, played 20 minutes in that game.and played six boards and three free throws.

But this was the lack of production when he played along with Peterson - mostly, Peterson's unwillingness to divide this ball, as he remembers it - what was the most stuck with him.

After UNC’s win over Kansas, Caleb Wilson told us he changes the wallpaper on his phone before games to make sure he’s “pissed.”

- Carolina Blitz (@KEPBlitzin) November 8, 2025

What was his phone call today?

"My feeling from the All American game when I didn't touch the ball... and {Kansas'} Darin Peterson was on my team."pic.twitter.com/yorTefyLgs

Whitson's tactic of using his phone's wallpaper to get angry before games worked very well against the Jayhawks. With his anger still fresh in his mind after teaming with Peterson in the McDonald's All-American Game, he scored a game-high 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting, as well as seven rebounds and four assists. Peterson scored 22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers.

"It was mine," Wilson said, pointing down at Michael Jordan."We haven't met in 20 years.

Wilson's mission was accomplished.And on Friday, the path that led him to narrow stardom can be traced.