Heel Tough Blog: Matt Able Withdraws From NBA Draft

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After an extensive process, Matt Able officially withdrew his name from the 2026 NBA Draft earlier today, paving the way to play for Michael Malone and the Tar Heels in 2026-27. Able, who transferred after one season at NC State, committed to UNC out of the transfer portal back in April, before signing with UNC earlier this month. But after a strong showing in the NBA Draft Combine, Able improved his draft stock, but was still projected as a second-round draft selection, in large part due to the depth of this year’s historic draft class. 

In his lone season at NC State, Able averaged 8.8  points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, while shooting 42% from the field and 36% from behind the arc. In State’s blowout win over UNC back in February, Able scored 19 points, while shooting 6-10 from the field, and 5-7 from behind the three-point line. 

The official addition of Able to the roster rounds out UNC’s starting backcourt for next season, and after being small in that department last season, the Tar Heels will be noticeably bigger next season. Able, who stands at 6-6, joins Terrence Brown (6-3) and Neoklis Avdalas (6-9) as projected starters in the backcourt, with Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis expected to come off the bench. 

With a reinforced commitment to player development in Chapel Hill, Able is putting his career in the hands of Michael Malone, who is determined to turn the UNC program into an NBA factory, like a program with the pedigree of UNC should be. 

There are two available roster spots for the 2026-27 season, with Greece’s Alexandros Samodurov the top priority, along with the program expressing interest in Robert Morris transfer, Josh Hill. 

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