After a strong freshman campaign in which he mostly came off the bench for NC State, the 2025 four-star recruit has clearly focused much of his energy on positioning himself as a first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, following his showing at the NBA Draft Combine, that outcome now appears increasingly unlikely.
He currently sits at No. 33 overall in Jeremy Woo’s latest ESPN post-combine mock draft, while he was left out of Christopher Kline’s most recent FanSided projection altogether, with growing sentiment suggesting a return to college basketball.
The 6-foot-6 guard still has until May 27 to officially withdraw from the draft and preserve his eligibility, but his social media activity has fueled speculation about his decision. He recently reposted a graphic highlighting the official tip time for UNC’s matchup with Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 19.
https://twitter.com/heelsdynasty/status/2057555061828386904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2057555061828386904%7Ctwgr%5E7a839b3fa3183441d29de7ba89a7efcfdbb44b37%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkeepingitheel.com%2Fmatt-able-s-unc-social-media-posts-hints-he-knows-what-needs-to-be-done
Matt Able reposts graphic UNC’s scheduled matchup with Kentucky next season
NBA Draft decisions have played a major role in shaping UNC’s offseason plans. Henri Veesaar has already committed to staying in the draft regardless of his stock, a move that pushed Michael Malone to expand recruiting efforts overseas. That led to the addition of Sayon Keita from FC Barcelona, and UNC is also close to finalizing a deal with Greek seven-footer Alexandros Samodurov, though nothing is complete yet.
If Able were to remain in the draft, it would significantly disrupt Malone’s roster construction and likely force UNC to scramble late for backcourt help in the transfer and international markets. It would also increase pressure on sophomore Isaiah Denis, who withdrew from the transfer portal to return to Chapel Hill after appearing in just 10 games last season due to an injury that slowed his development.
At the moment, though, indications continue to point toward Able returning to Chapel Hill. That outcome would benefit UNC, but it could also be the best path for Able’s long-term development. The Tar Heels need his perimeter shooting, and while he has improved his value as a shot-maker this offseason, UNC will expect him to contribute beyond just spot-up opportunities.
The former four-star prospect is already a reliable catch-and-shoot threat from three, but he also showed flashes last season of creating offense off the dribble, attacking closeouts, operating secondary actions, and occasionally initiating pick-and-roll sets. Expanding that part of his game under a former NBA head coach at UNC could solidify him as a first-round pick in a thinner 2027 NBA Draft class.
As a freshman, Able was productive but often overshadowed in one of the most talented freshman classes in recent college basketball history. With so many one-and-done stars pushing him down draft boards, the current landscape appears to be nudging him toward another season in college basketball.