The situation surrounding UNC and new head coach Michael Malone remains cloudy when it comes to the future of prized young guard Matt Able. The former NC State standout and five-star recruit is committed to Carolina, but he’s also making serious noise with an impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine.
That strong performance has naturally fueled concern that Able could choose to stay in the draft and make the jump to the NBA next season. Still, optimism remains in Chapel Hill. Able has continued to promote UNC heavily on social media, including celebrating the recent commitment of four-star wing Kevin Thomas.
Able has even hinted at the idea of the two “running it back” together after playing high school basketball side by side, which only strengthens the belief that Chapel Hill is calling him back. Adding to that optimism, a recent national analysis listed Able among the transfer playmakers who could shape the college basketball season in 2026–27 — a sign that confidence is growing that he’ll return to the ACC.
Able has until May 27 to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft, and evaluators believe there’s far more to his game than what he showed as a freshman.
He averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds last season while shooting 35.5 percent from three-point range, but the belief is that a new environment and expanded role could unlock a significant jump forward. Playing under a new coaching staff with a proven track record of developing guards could put Able in position for a major breakout — potentially even pushing him toward top-10 NBA Draft consideration in 2026.
That upside is something Malone and his staff can emphasize during these final weeks. For now, most NBA mock drafts project Able as a mid-second-round pick. If that projection holds, returning to college for another season makes plenty of sense, allowing him to raise his stock and enter the draft in a much stronger position.
If NBA feedback suddenly suggests he’s a firm first-round lock, the decision becomes far more complicated. But at this stage, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Able must notify Malone of his final decision by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27.
His recent social media activity has already given UNC fans reason for hope, and the growing confidence among analysts only reinforces the belief that Able could be a major piece for Carolina moving forward. The final answer is coming soon, but for now, Tar Heel fans shouldn’t lose faith.