First-Round Status 'Big Thing' for UNC's Able's Decision

Able has played well so far at the NBA Draft Combine.

Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) brings the ball up the court in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina commit Matt Able’s looming decision between going to UNC next season or staying in the NBA Draft has been a hot topic at the NBA Draft Combine.

To make matters worse for UNC, Able — a 6-foot-6 guard who is transferring from NC State to UNC — has been one of the most impressive players of all of the 73 participants, which might not be exactly what Tar Heels fans were wishing to hear regarding Able’s status. 

Mar 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) reacts after scoring against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Able at the Combine Thus Far

Able has averaged 16 points and is shooting 7-16 from the floor in two 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine. It should be no surprise to those who saw him play at NC State this past season, as he averaged 8.8 points per game as a freshman, and knocked down over 35 percent of his three-pointers on over 4 attempts per game. 

He is one of Michael Malone’s top acquisitions in the transfer portal in his first go-around as head coach of the Tar Heels. Malone was hired last month to replace Hubert Davis after his five-year tenure, and he’ll be looking to get UNC back to the college basketball mountain top as quickly as possible. 

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) and Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis (11) fight for the ball in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

As of now, Able projects to be a second-round pick if he keeps his name in the draft, which could entice him to ultimately join the Tar Heels, and boost his draft stock for the 2027 NBA Draft instead of staying in it this year. Currently, Able has indicated that he isn’t 100 percent sure which decision he is leaning towards yet. 

In a recent interview with Andy Katz, Able shared what it would mean to him to be considered a first-round pick, noting that he could work his way into that conversation with a strong combine showing. 

Able’s Thoughts

Mar 17, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) dribbles the ball defended by Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) in the first half during a first four game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

“That would mean a lot,” Able said. “That would definitely make me want to stay in the draft a little bit more. It’s very important. First round is a big thing, whether it's in terms of — I think another big thing is fit and situation. Obviously, trades happen, but being in the right fit and situation is a really big thing. Having the opportunity to play, and I feel like with that first round, you're able to have a little bit more opportunity.”

The Tar Heels will hope for the best in terms of Able’s upcoming decision. Snubbing the NBA in favor of going back to college is certainly not an easy decision, but one that could benefit Able in the long run if he chooses to do so.