NC State transfer Matt Able commits to UNC

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) shoots in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Shooting guard Matt Able has committed to UNC. The transfer from NC State joins Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, Maximo Adams, Jarin Stevenson, Jaydon Young, Isaiah Denis, and Malloy Smith on UNC’s 2026 roster. The 6’6” 205 lb rising sophomore impressed ACC observers last season with an excellent, well-rounded floor game. Many think Able is primed to break out in his sophomore season.

Per 247’s Composite Rankings, Able ranked 26th and five stars in the loaded 2025 freshman class. National portal rankings vary from 28th to 39th overall, regardless of position. In his freshman season season at NC State, at age 18, Able averaged 8.8 points a game off the bench, 9.2 in conference play. Able’s freshman stats resemble those of Juke Harris, the Wake Forest sophomore wing who seems set on exploring his NBA prospects. Could Able make the same sort of jump in his second season? That’s certainly the hope.

NBADraft.net analyzes Able’s freshman tape in the following review:

A well-rounded shooting guard with a strong frame, good balance, and a mature approach that belies his age … Standing 6’5” with an estimated +4 to +5 wingspan, he has the physical tools to match up with NBA wings and the mature feel of a seasoned contributor … His ambidextrous finishing ability sets him apart … He shoots with his right hand but often elevates to finish with explosive left-handed dunks, using strength and coordination to play through contact … Able excels as a pull-up shooter, especially from the midrange, and is comfortable getting into his jumper off one or two dribbles … He makes quick, efficient decisions with the ball, showing excellent shot selection and rarely forcing contested looks … He plays within the flow of the offense and doesn’t need high usage to be effective … His passing is underrated … He sees the floor well and makes smart reads in both transition and half-court sets … Able is confident and composed with the ball in his hands, rarely rattled under pressure … Defensively, he competes with intensity … He uses his strong base and length to stay in front and has the tools to guard either backcourt spot at the next level … Rebounds well for his position and is active in help situations … His maturity and quiet confidence stand out for a freshman … He can be given full confidence to make sound decisions and execute within the system … A high-floor prospect who impacts the game without needing to dominate the ball.

What do you think of Able as a starter at the 2 for next season’s Tar Heel team?