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NBAFeature
UNC signee thrives with Wednesday breakout at NBA Combine
TL;DR
UNC signee Matt Able excelled at the NBA Combine, scoring 15 points with three 3-pointers. His performance could boost his NBA Draft stock and impact North Carolina's roster.
Key points
- Matt Able scored 15 points at the NBA Combine.
- He made three 3-pointers during the scrimmage.
- His performance could improve his NBA Draft stock.
- Able is expected to start for North Carolina this fall.
- UNC's roster is being shaped by transfers and recruits.
Matt AbleNorth Carolina
The 2026-27 UNC basketball roster is rounding into shape, thanks to several returns, transfer portal additions and incoming high school recruits.
Matt Able, an NC State transfer expected to start this fall for North Carolina, is currently thriving at the NBA Combine.
On Wednesday at the NBA Combine Scrimmage, Able registered 15 points on five made field goals (three 3-pointers), adding three rebounds and an assist.
If Able keeps performing like this, his NBA Draft stock is bound to improve. More importantly, the Tar Heels will have a sizable hole to fill on their roster.
Able, an 6'6" freshman guard from Baltimore, Md., averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Wolfpack last season. Able showcased his durability during Will Wade's lone season as head coach, playing in all 34 games.
Ideally, Able has a strong showing at the Combine and decides to play at UNC. Able is showing NBA scouts he can play well against elite competition, but by playing one year at North Carolina, he'll solidify himself as a 2027 NBA Draft selection.
Should Able decide to choose the NBA, the Tar Heels likely start Jaydon Young, Isaiah Denis or the newly-acquired Kevin Thomas. 4-star wing Maximo Adams is another strong choice for starting minutes, but regardless of new head coach Michael Malone's decision, UNC will have its freshman playing sizable minutes.
Believe it or not, North Carolina isn't done adding to its roster. The Tar Heels' current top target is 6'11" , while another portal player or uncommitted star could chose Chapel Hill as his next destination.
Q&A
What were Matt Able's stats at the NBA Combine?
Matt Able scored 15 points, made five field goals including three 3-pointers, and recorded three rebounds and an assist at the NBA Combine.
How might Matt Able's performance affect his NBA Draft stock?
If Matt Able continues to perform well, his NBA Draft stock is likely to improve significantly.
What impact will Matt Able's success have on the UNC basketball roster?
Matt Able's strong performance at the NBA Combine highlights a potential gap in the UNC roster that needs to be filled, especially with his expected starting role.
