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Matt Able is “still going back and forth” about his decision to play for UNC basketball or remain in the 2026 NBA Draft.
An N.C. State transfer who committed to first-year coach Michael Malone and the Tar Heels on April 21, Able was one of the standout guards during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
In two scrimmages, the 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard averaged 16 points, knocking down 7 of 14 (50%) shots from 3-point range. Able entered the combine projected to be a late second-round pick or undrafted, but left the event as someone who could make teams think about selecting him earlier as an 18-year-old prospect.
“I’m still going back and forth. I had a pretty good showing (at the combine) and I’m excited to see what that brings about. But it’s really tough, because I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for me. Obviously, the decision is: go back to UNC or enter the draft,” Able, who was wearing a UNC t-shirt, said during an interview with NCAA.com’s Andy Katz at the combine.
“It’s definitely tough. I haven’t fully made a decision yet. I’m definitely waiting to get more feedback … think about it and collect with my camp a little bit longer. But it’s definitely tough. The way I’m playing, it’s making it a whole lot tougher.”
Asked about the possibility of moving up as a potential first-round pick, Able said that would “make me want to stay in the draft a little bit more,” adding “it’s very important” to be in that range.
“First round is a big thing. I think another big thing is fit and situation,” Able said. “Obviously, trades happen, but being in the right fit and situation is a really big thing. With that first round, you’re able to have a little bit more opportunity.”
According to NBA.com, the Los Angles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns were among the teams to meet with Able. The Pistons (No. 21 overall) and the Lakers (No. 25 overall) are the only franchises in that group with first-round picks.
The latest USA TODAY Sports mock draft, which was released May 15, doesn't feature Able among the top-30 picks. ESPN has Able projected to be the 39th pick overall by the Houston Rockets and The Athletic's latest mock draft doesn't feature Able among the top-60 picks. Able also isn't projected to be a first-round pick by CBS Sports.
Under NCAA rules, in order to retain his college eligibility to play for the Tar Heels in the 2026-27 season, Able has until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27 to withdraw his name from the draft.
If he opts for Chapel Hill instead of the NBA, Able is projected to be a part of the Tar Heels’ starting lineup, which is likely to include Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas and Utah transfer Terrence Brown Jr. as the starters on the perimeter.
“My goal has been, since a kid, to make it to the NBA and stay in the NBA. So I feel like, for me, I was going with what I thought was the best destination, best situation to make me a pro if I don’t go this year. For me, it was Coach Malone,” Able said.
“I had a lot of other really good options, but for me, it was Coach Malone being an NBA champion, coaching greats like (Nikola) Jokic, Jamal Murray. Being able to just be around those guys is just amazing. I feel like he runs an NBA system and it’ll help me take my game to the next level if I don’t go this year.”
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Matt Able weighs decision to stay in NBA Draft or play for UNC
Continue reading...
An N.C. State transfer who committed to first-year coach Michael Malone and the Tar Heels on April 21, Able was one of the standout guards during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
In two scrimmages, the 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard averaged 16 points, knocking down 7 of 14 (50%) shots from 3-point range. Able entered the combine projected to be a late second-round pick or undrafted, but left the event as someone who could make teams think about selecting him earlier as an 18-year-old prospect.
“I’m still going back and forth. I had a pretty good showing (at the combine) and I’m excited to see what that brings about. But it’s really tough, because I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for me. Obviously, the decision is: go back to UNC or enter the draft,” Able, who was wearing a UNC t-shirt, said during an interview with NCAA.com’s Andy Katz at the combine.
“It’s definitely tough. I haven’t fully made a decision yet. I’m definitely waiting to get more feedback … think about it and collect with my camp a little bit longer. But it’s definitely tough. The way I’m playing, it’s making it a whole lot tougher.”
Asked about the possibility of moving up as a potential first-round pick, Able said that would “make me want to stay in the draft a little bit more,” adding “it’s very important” to be in that range.
“First round is a big thing. I think another big thing is fit and situation,” Able said. “Obviously, trades happen, but being in the right fit and situation is a really big thing. With that first round, you’re able to have a little bit more opportunity.”
According to NBA.com, the Los Angles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns were among the teams to meet with Able. The Pistons (No. 21 overall) and the Lakers (No. 25 overall) are the only franchises in that group with first-round picks.
The latest USA TODAY Sports mock draft, which was released May 15, doesn't feature Able among the top-30 picks. ESPN has Able projected to be the 39th pick overall by the Houston Rockets and The Athletic's latest mock draft doesn't feature Able among the top-60 picks. Able also isn't projected to be a first-round pick by CBS Sports.
Under NCAA rules, in order to retain his college eligibility to play for the Tar Heels in the 2026-27 season, Able has until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27 to withdraw his name from the draft.
If he opts for Chapel Hill instead of the NBA, Able is projected to be a part of the Tar Heels’ starting lineup, which is likely to include Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas and Utah transfer Terrence Brown Jr. as the starters on the perimeter.
“My goal has been, since a kid, to make it to the NBA and stay in the NBA. So I feel like, for me, I was going with what I thought was the best destination, best situation to make me a pro if I don’t go this year. For me, it was Coach Malone,” Able said.
“I had a lot of other really good options, but for me, it was Coach Malone being an NBA champion, coaching greats like (Nikola) Jokic, Jamal Murray. Being able to just be around those guys is just amazing. I feel like he runs an NBA system and it’ll help me take my game to the next level if I don’t go this year.”
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Matt Able weighs decision to stay in NBA Draft or play for UNC
Continue reading...
