Heel Tough Blog: NC State Transfer Matt Able Commits to North Carolina

Tipto Edits

After landing Utah transfer Terrence Brown earlier today, Michael Malone has struck again in the transfer portal, landing NC State transfer Matt Able. Able played one season for the Wolfpack, appearing in all 34 games, without making a start, all averaging 8.8 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, while shooting 42% from the field and 36% from behind the arc.

In NC State’s 82-58 win over UNC back in February, Able scored 19 points, on 6-10 shooting, including going 5-7 from behind the arc. 

Per the 247Sports database, Able is ranked as the No. 44 overall transfer and is ranked as the No. 5 shooting guard amongst transfers. As a high school recruit, Able was ranked as the No. 28 overall player in the 2025 class, the No. 6 shooting guard, and the No. 9 player from the state of Florida. Here is how Adam Finklestein, the Director of Scouting for 247Sports, evaluated Able when coming out of high school: Able is a well-built wing with broad shoulders and a very sturdy frame that is only going to keep filling out. He has somewhat unorthodox mechanics for someone who makes threes in bunches, with just a slight hop into a noticeable twisting motion, but nevertheless a fluid release and soft ball. While the jumper looked like the first domino in his attack, he showed the versatility to also make mid-range shots off the dribble and solid athleticism in the open floor. The other thing that was very noteworthy was Able’s excellent left hand. He was equally comfortable, not just putting the ball on the floor to both sides, but even dunking with both hands. He also showed good perimeter footwork off the catch and was a competitive defender.

Art 6-5, Able brings more size and shooting to a UNC backcourt that all but feels complete. The backcourt overhaul features a backcourt consisting of Virginia Tech transfer Neokilis Avdalas, Utah transfer Terrence Brown, UNC holdovers Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis, and now Matt Able, the first NC State transfer to transfer to North Carolina in the transfer portal era.

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