Matt Able has a major decision to make, and the clock is ticking.
The 19-year-old guard, who transferred to North Carolina from NC State last month, spent the past week at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago and continues to hear buzz around his name. Able, who averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with the Wolfpack, has until May 27 to decide whether to stay in the draft or withdraw his name.
Able's recent comments suggest that everything is still on the table.
“Either way, I have two great options.”#UNC commit and NBA prospect Matt Able explained what factors he’s weighing as he decides between remaining in the NBA Draft or returning to college. pic.twitter.com/jD1LKGS2fv
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) May 19, 2026
"Who's planning on drafting me, and where are they planning on drafting me? I think that's the big thing," Able said about what would influence his final decision. "Either way, I have two great options. I will be able to develop regardless, but it's really just weighing options and figuring out what I want to do."
Matt Able still has an NBA Draft decision to make
ESPN's Jeremy Woo, who has Able at No. 39 in his latest NBA Mock Draft, reports that the guard has shown some scoring touch in the scrimmages, which has helped his stock rise. Woo also believes that another year of college would be the best thing for him:
"Though Able is still not ready to help a competitive NBA team, and he measured on the smaller side for a wing (6-3¾ barefoot and 196 pounds), his plus-4½ wingspan and huge hands are helpful, and he has yet to turn 20 years old. Returning to college and changing scenery from NC State to UNC could help him a year from now, though he has put himself in consideration as a developmental pick for a team that can afford to draft him now and take a longer view."
The fact that Able has turned so many heads during this draft evaluation period is a good indicator of what he should be able to do for the Tar Heels if he stays in college. As Woo points out, if Able were to stay in the draft, the team that selects him is likely going to stash him for a season. All the things that Able has said over the past few weeks leads me to think that he doesn't believe NC State allowed him to do everything he is capable of doing, and he wants to showcase his talent. North Carolina is going to put the ball in his hands, literally and figuratively, with the expectation that he will be a dynamic presence in the backcourt.
Able was right to do his due diligence with the NBA and his performance during the week at the combine proves that he's on the right track. Under the tutelage of Michael Malone, Able will be able to expand his game with a coach that has extensive experience in the pros and knows what NBA teams are looking for. Most of the mock drafts have Able going in the early second round between the 35th and 45th picks, but one great year with the Tar Heels should guarantee Able a first-round projection for 2027.
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