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NC State Freshman Matt Able Putting The World On Notice

Matt Able is looking to make a statement as a freshman on this loaded NC State team.
Jordon Lawrenz|
Nov 11, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; McNeese head coach Will Wade lifts his hands as he signals to his team during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Nov 11, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; McNeese head coach Will Wade lifts his hands as he signals to his team during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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North Carolina State Wolfpack

If there's been one thing made crystal clear through his first two games with NC State, Matt Able is ready for the bright lights. The 6'6'' 205-pound freshman hasn't let anything faze him so far as he's making the most of his minutes.

Head coach Will Wade has given Able an immediate chance to make an impact, and he's done just that. With 27 minutes in their 114-66 win over North Carolina Central and 26 in their win over UAB, it's clear how much trust Wade has in the freshman.

Earlier this year, Able may have made the best decision of his life when he committed to NC State. That decision came on April 5 after heavy consideration between the Wolfpack and Miami.

NC State's Miami Flip Paying Dividends

Back on Aug 30, 2024, Able pledged his commitment to the University of Miami. He was ready to be a Hurricane and play in his home state of Florida, but things quickly changed. The Sagemont Prep High Schooler realized that the culture down there simply wasn't for him, so he decomitted on Feb 28, 2025.

After reopening his enrollment, NC State extended an olive branch exactly one month later. They were far from the first team interested in him, and he visited with Tennessee and Alabama before the Wolfpack ever even offered.

Oct 8, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State head coach Will Wade answers questions from the media at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images

That said, he was still won over by NC State. The Wolfpack landed a Top-30 player in early 2025 in what can be described as nothing short of a miracle. NC State, and specifically coach Wade, know exactly what they have in Able and they aren't taking his commitment for granted.

Matt Able Making An Immediate Impact

While he only shot 37.5% from the field against UAB, Able had six rebounds and a pair of assists. He still finished with seven points, though that was exactly half of what he had in his NCAA debut. Against NCCU, Able shot 5/11, including 3/8 from three-point range. He had six rebounds in that game as well, along with four assists and two steals.

Looking ahead to the UNC Greensboro matchup, Able will have yet another chance to make an impact. These are the perfect tune-up games for him before things get serious. Come Dec 3, the Wolfpack must play at No. 22 Auburn. If that isn't enough of a challenge for the freshman, he'll be tasked with playing Kansas on Dec 13.

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Jordon Lawrenz
JORDON LAWRENZ

Jordon Lawrenz serves as the Eastern United States College Recruiting beat writer On SI. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the NFL, MLB, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to PFSN’s and Heavy’s NFL coverage. Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a Sports Communication and Journalism degree, Jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to Florida.