After an impressive freshman campaign that showcased his potential as one of college basketball’s rising young guards, Matt Able appears to be leaning toward a return to college basketball — and Tar Heel fans are loving every second of it.
The former NC State standout, who transferred to North Carolina during the offseason, has been testing the NBA Draft waters while evaluating his future. However, recent social media activity from Able has many believing that the talented guard already knows exactly what needs to happen next for his basketball career.
Following the NBA Draft Combine, Able’s stock appears to have settled outside the first round. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projected the 6-foot-6 guard at No. 33 overall in his latest mock draft, while several analysts around the basketball world believe Able is increasingly likely to withdraw from the draft before the May 27 deadline and return to school.
The biggest clue came when Able reposted a graphic announcing the official tip-off time for North Carolina’s highly anticipated showdown against Kentucky at Madison Square Garden in the CBS Sports Classic this December. The repost immediately sparked excitement among UNC fans, many of whom viewed it as a major hint that Able plans to suit up in Carolina blue next season.
While no official decision has been announced, the signs are becoming difficult to ignore.
For new UNC head coach Michael Malone, Able’s return would be one of the biggest victories of the offseason. Malone has already been working aggressively to reshape the Tar Heels roster after several major departures and draft decisions complicated the team’s offseason plans.
One of the most significant blows came when Henri Veesaar reportedly decided to remain in the NBA Draft process despite uncertainty surrounding his draft position. That development forced Malone and his staff to expand their recruiting efforts internationally, leading to the addition of Sayon Keita from FC Barcelona. UNC is also reportedly closing in on a deal with highly regarded Greek seven-footer Alexandros Samodurov as the Tar Heels continue rebuilding their frontcourt.
However, the backcourt remains equally important, and that is where Able’s decision could completely reshape North Carolina’s ceiling entering next season.
If Able were to stay in the NBA Draft, UNC would suddenly face a major problem very late in the recruiting cycle. Malone would likely be forced to search overseas again for experienced guard help, while also placing enormous pressure on returning sophomore Isaiah Denis to make an immediate leap after appearing in only 10 games last season due to injury setbacks.
Instead, Able returning would instantly stabilize the Tar Heels’ perimeter rotation and provide Malone with one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the ACC.
Although Able spent much of his freshman season playing a secondary role, he consistently flashed the talent that made him one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school. His shooting ability immediately translated to the college level, especially in catch-and-shoot situations where he demonstrated confidence, quick release mechanics, and deep range.
But what truly makes Able intriguing long-term is the growth he showed as a creator with the ball in his hands.
During stretches of his freshman season, Able attacked defenders off the dribble, created opportunities in pick-and-roll situations, and showed flashes of high-level decision-making as a secondary playmaker. Those moments may not have generated national headlines because of the historic freshman class dominating college basketball last season, but NBA scouts clearly noticed the upside.
Still, timing matters in the draft process.
The 2026 NBA Draft class is loaded with elite one-and-done prospects and superstar-level talent, making it difficult for players like Able to climb into guaranteed first-round territory. In another year, his skillset and production may have received far more attention. Instead, he risks being buried in the second round, where contracts become less secure and long-term development situations become unpredictable.
That reality is likely why returning to school could ultimately become the smartest decision for his future.
At North Carolina, Able would have the opportunity to play a significantly larger role under Malone, a former NBA championship-winning head coach with extensive professional experience. Malone understands exactly what NBA organizations want to see from young guards, and UNC’s roster construction could allow Able to expand his offensive game dramatically.
The Tar Heels will need more than just perimeter shooting next season. They will need creators, leaders, and reliable scorers capable of handling pressure in major moments. Able has the talent to become all of those things.
If he takes another leap as a shot creator, improves his consistency as a playmaker, and proves he can lead offensively against elite competition, there is little doubt his draft stock would skyrocket. Many evaluators already believe Able has legitimate first-round talent, and a strong sophomore season could make him one of the breakout stars of college basketball.
Equally important, the 2027 NBA Draft class is projected to be significantly weaker than the current one. That could create the perfect opportunity for Able to elevate himself into clear first-round territory with another season of development.
For UNC fans, the excitement is understandable. Able’s social media activity may not officially confirm anything, but it certainly feels like a player beginning to embrace the idea of returning to college basketball with unfinished business ahead.
And if that happens, North Carolina may have just secured the centerpiece of its next championship push.
