Matt Able, a forward who spent two seasons at North Carolina State, has officially joined the North Carolina Tar Heels ahead of the 2025‑26 campaign, marking a notable shift in the team’s roster.
A Coaching Change with NBA Roots
Michael Malone, the former Denver Nuggets head coach known for his player‑development acumen, was hired by the university to lead the Tar Heels, bringing a professional pedigree to the college program.
At the NBA scouting combine Able demonstrated his versatility, and in the 2025 season he posted averages of 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, figures that set the baseline for his expected contribution.
If the transition clicks, the best‑case scenario envisions Able evolving into a multi‑faceted scorer capable of delivering 16 to 17 points per game while also creating opportunities for teammates.
Conversely, the worst‑case outcome would see him struggling to find a rhythm within the new system, potentially limiting his minutes and even prompting a bench role as the coaching staff experiments with alternatives.
Regardless of the trajectory, Able is slated to operate largely off the ball within North Carolina’s offensive sets, meaning his impact will hinge on timing, spacing and the ability to read defenses in real time.
The overall success of the Tar Heels this season could hinge on how quickly Able adapts and how effectively Malone integrates his experience into the college game plan.