Matt Able was one of the top additions for new North Carolina head coach Michael Malone from the transfer portal. However, the NC State transfer is also testing the NBA Draft waters, and an impressive performance at the NBA Combine just helped his draft stock.
This could jeopardize Able’s stint with the Tar Heels, who are seeking to reemerge as national championship contenders under Malone’s leadership.
Matt Able Remains Undecided About His Future After Impressive NBA Draft Combine
Able, who officially measured in at 6’3 3/4″ barefoot with a 6’8 1/4″ wingspan, filled the stat sheet during a scrimmage against other NBA Draft prospects. He scored 15 points while shooting 5-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
While it’s great to see Able shining against top competition, North Carolina has to be sweating since this could improve his NBA stock and cause him to stay in the draft.
On Wednesday, Able spoke with ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and said he remains undecided about his future. He expects everything to be finalized after the draft combine concludes on May 17.
“It’s definitely a tough decision. I love UNC, I’m excited to get over there at some point… I’m still back and forth on it,” Able said. “I gotta think about it some more, get with my camp and figure it out.”
Matthew Able says he’s “back and forth” on his stay-or-go NBA draft decision.
“It’s definitely a tough decision. I love UNC, I’m excited to get over there at some point … I’m still back and forth on it. I gotta think about it some more, get with my camp and figure it out.” pic.twitter.com/ssG9OxA4LQ
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 13, 2026
Malone, who was named the new Tar Heels head coach after North Carolina fired Hubert Davis following a disappointing first-round loss to VCU in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, secured Able’s commitment from the transfer portal on April 21.
Malone felt that the Sagemont Prep standout could make a major leap with the Tar Heels after he averaged 8.8 points per game as a freshman. He was given a license to shoot at NC State, attempting 4.1 3-pointers per game and drilling 35.5% (1.4 per game).
Paired with Malone’s offensive style, which centers on proper spacing, constant movement, and elite passing, the shooting guard could have some big scoring nights next season thanks to inverted pick-and-rolls that the former Denver Nuggets head coach sets up to create open looks for his players.
If he decides to withdraw from the NBA Draft and remain with the Tar Heels, Able will team up with returning North Carolina players Jarin Stevenson, Isaiah Denis, and Jaydon Young, transfers Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, and Cade Bennerman, international recruit Sayon Keita, and high school prospects Maximo Adams, Kevin Thomas, and Malloy Smith.
It is also worth noting that after North Carolina secured the commitment of Thomas (his former teammate at Sagemont Prep), Able reacted positively to the news, commenting, “It’s (gonna) work out, brudda.”
Able was widely viewed as a second-round pick before the NBA Combine. It remains to be seen if his stock has increased enough to complicate his decision ahead of the May 27 deadline to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft.
For now, it seems like returning to school for one more year to polish his skills and then enter the 2027 NBA Draft is the most likely path for the incoming sophomore, but we shall see.
