NC State transfer Matt Able has officially signed with UNC Basketball, giving new head coach Michael Malone another major addition as he continues reshaping the Tar Heels’ roster for the 2026-27 season.
The signing, confirmed Thursday by On3’s Pete Nakos, finalizes Able’s commitment to North Carolina just over two weeks after he announced his decision on April 21.
The former NC State standout quickly became one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal after an impressive freshman campaign in Raleigh. Rated as the No. 31 overall player in the portal and the No. 9 shooting guard by On3, Able gives Carolina a versatile two-way weapon capable of impacting the game in several different areas.
At 6-foot-6, Able possesses the size, athleticism, and skill set that UNC believes can thrive immediately in Chapel Hill. During his lone season with the Wolfpack, the Baltimore native averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and nearly 22 minutes per game while emerging as one of the ACC’s most promising young guards. Despite coming off the bench for much of the season, he showcased flashes of star potential throughout conference play.
One of Able’s breakout performances came against North Carolina on Feb. 17, when he exploded for a season-high 19 points while drilling five three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds in NC State’s victory over the Tar Heels. That performance reportedly left a strong impression on Carolina’s coaching staff, who later prioritized him heavily once he entered the portal.
UNC insiders believe Able’s combination of length, perimeter shooting, and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit in Malone’s system. Inside Carolina analyst Sean Moran praised the transfer shortly after his commitment, pointing to his winning mentality and team-first approach.
“There is a lot to like with his game,” Moran said. “He felt like a Carolina-type player because of how he approaches basketball. His focus on winning, playing team basketball, and providing versatility really stands out. Carolina is hoping for that major sophomore leap.”
Able’s father, Doug Able, also revealed that the Tar Heels envision a much larger role for his son next season than he had at NC State. According to Doug, UNC plans to use Able as a primary shooting guard, secondary ball handler, and multi-positional defender capable of guarding positions one through three.
The Tar Heels believe his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will make him a major piece of the rotation immediately. Malone is expected to lean heavily on interchangeable wings and versatile guards as he constructs his first roster at North Carolina.
Able’s decision comes during a busy offseason for UNC, as Malone works to quickly rebuild the roster following his surprising transition from the NBA to college basketball. Hired just hours before the transfer portal officially opened, Malone has aggressively targeted experienced transfers and versatile perimeter players to accelerate the program’s retooling process.
Even with his commitment finalized, Able’s NBA Draft situation remains worth monitoring. He received an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, scheduled for May 10-17, and is currently projected as a second-round selection in ESPN’s latest mock draft.
Unless his stock rises dramatically during the pre-draft process, the expectation remains that he will withdraw from the draft before the May 27 NCAA deadline and officially begin his college career in Chapel Hill this summer.
Coming out of Sagemont Prep, Able was considered one of the top prospects in the nation, ranked No. 26 overall in the 2025 recruiting cycle according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. Before choosing NC State, he held offers from programs including Alabama, Baylor, Stanford, Tennessee, and Texas.
Able now joins a revamped North Carolina backcourt expected to feature returning guards Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis, alongside transfers Terrence Brown and Neoklis Avdalas, as well as incoming freshman Malloy Smith.
With Able officially in the fold, UNC continues building what could become one of the ACC’s most intriguing rosters entering the 2026-27 season.
