Matt Able decision looms. UNC or NBA? What to know about Pack-to-Heels transfer
Former N.C. State guard Matt Able is torn between heading to North Carolina or staying in the 2026 NBA Draft after a strong showing at the combine in Chicago. The UNC commit has until May 27 at 11:59 p.m. to make his decision.
Here are key takeaways:
- Able scored 15 points on 3-for-5 shooting from three in just over 19 minutes during a scrimmage win at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month.
- The guard says he is “back and forth” on his choice, telling reporters he loves UNC but feels confident enough to pursue a first-round NBA selection after meeting with the Pistons, Magic, Pacers, Suns and Lakers.
- Able officially signed his paperwork to join North Carolina for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Michael Malone, according to multiple sources who confirmed the signing to the N&O.
- Players have until May 27 to withdraw from the draft and retain college eligibility, and Able is expected to enroll at UNC this summer unless his draft stock significantly rises during the pre-draft process.
- The 6-foot-6 wing from Baltimore averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 21.7 minutes per game as a freshman at N.C. State, shooting 41.6% from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range, across 34 appearances off the bench.
- Able’s career-high came in N.C. State’s 82-58 win over North Carolina on Feb. 17, when he scored 19 points with five 3-pointers in Raleigh.
- If he plays for Malone at UNC, he’ll join three fellow portal pickups -- Utah transfer Terrence Brown and Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas and Northwestern transfer Cade Bennerman -- on the Tar Heels’ rebuilt roster.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.