Matt Able, a 6‑foot‑6 shooting guard from Baltimore, has announced that he will not pursue the 2026 NBA draft. Instead, he will return to college basketball for a sophomore season at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
A unexpected career pivot
Able’s decision comes after a freshman year at NC State that saw him appear in 34 games and post averages of 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. Though his numbers were modest, his defensive contributions and shooting touch caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to an invitation to the NBA draft combine.
At the combine, Able posted a strong showing, averaging 16 points across two scrimmages. The performance was enough to earn him a projected second‑round evaluation, but he ultimately chose to prioritize further development in college.
His move marks a rare transition in college basketball history. Able becomes the first player since the World War II era to transfer directly from NC State to UNC, a shift that has generated considerable buzz among analysts and fans alike.
The Tar Heels stand to benefit from his size, versatility and experience. Coach Hubert Davis has expressed enthusiasm about integrating Able into a roster that already boasts a strong recruiting class, suggesting that the team’s depth could improve markedly next season.
From a broader perspective, Able’s choice reflects a growing trend where elite prospects evaluate the long‑term benefits of a college education and skill refinement against the immediate financial allure of professional contracts. His story may influence future decisions of similar athletes.
As the 2025‑26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Able to see how his sophomore campaign unfolds at UNC. If he can build on his combine performance and translate it into on‑court production, he may yet reshape his draft outlook for the following year.