Michael Malone may have struck gold with his first transfer class, and the player creating the biggest buzz among Tar Heel fans is a standout guard arriving with plenty of hype and expectations. The former NC State standout arrives in Chapel Hill after an impressive freshman season across town, where he quickly emerged as one of the Wolfpack’s most reliable contributors off the bench.
Things are expected to be very different at North Carolina, though. Able is projected to take on a much larger role with the Tar Heels, likely logging more than 25 minutes per game while being trusted in virtually every situation. At 6-foot-6, the versatile guard already possesses the size, skill set, and perimeter presence coaches covet. His shooting ability is advanced for his age, and there is still considerable room for growth in his overall game. The biggest question now is whether those improvements will happen in Chapel Hill or at the NBA level.
According to Jamie Shaw, Able has the tools to turn heads during this week’s NBA Draft Combine.
“Matt Able is somebody that can just rise. He was a late bloomer coming out of high school. He can dribble, shoot and pass to an advantage. I think he’s somebody that could really test well when it comes to these meetings and everything. Once you see him play — the shooting touch, the handle and all that. He’s somebody that could rise during this process.”
Rivals/On3 analyst believes Matt Able could be the surprise of the NBA Draft Combine
Able earned an invitation to the combine and plans to fully explore the process as he evaluates where he stacks up among the nation’s elite prospects. Most projections currently place him in the second-round range, somewhere between picks 35 and 50. That positioning makes staying in the draft a difficult gamble for an 18-year-old prospect, especially considering the uncertainty that often comes with second-round contracts.
Still, a standout performance at the combine could dramatically shift his stock. If Able plays his way into fringe first-round territory, a much tougher decision could emerge regarding his immediate future.
Even so, Shaw believes Able’s long-term ceiling could become even higher if he returns to North Carolina Tar Heels for another season under Michael Malone.
“If he does come back, he could really shoot up draft boards. Possibly even top-10 or higher upside,” Shaw added.
The possibility of Able developing into an All-ACC and potential All-American performer in 2027 is an exciting one for North Carolina fans. A deep NCAA Tournament run and the chance to become the first lottery pick of the Malone era could further elevate both the player and the program. It would also represent a major early recruiting win for Malone as he continues to shape the future of Tar Heel basketball.
For now, patience remains the most important factor. Able is using the draft process to gather information and evaluate his opportunities. If he ultimately returns to Chapel Hill, he could enter next season with even more confidence and motivation to establish himself among the nation’s elite players. On the other hand, if he shines throughout combine week and decides to remain in the draft, it would undoubtedly be a tough loss for the Tar Heels. At the same time, it would also reinforce that Malone has already proven capable of identifying NBA-level talent early in his tenure.