The North Carolina Tar Heels, coached by Michael Malone, have just received word that their potential transferee is withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft and will play for them next year. Michael Malone will be under pressure as it will be his first year as head coach of a program as prestigious as UNC.
On Tuesday, May 26, NBA Draft insider Joe Tipton reported that former NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able is rescinding his draft application to return to college basketball for a sophomore season with the Tar Heels. Able’s decision comes just a day before the deadline for players to withdraw from this year’s NBA Draft and be able to retain their collegiate eligibility.
Able confirmed that he is entering both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal through a lengthy post on his Instagram back in early April. Just a few days later, Able announced that he’d be transferring to UNC should he withdraw from the draft. From then on, coach Malone and his staff have been eagerly waiting on Able’s decision as they continue to build their roster for the 2026-27 season.
“NEWS: North Carolina commit Matt Able will withdraw from the NBA Draft and play for the Tar Heels this upcoming season, he confirmed to @On3. The 6-6 freshman guard averaged 9.2 points per game in ACC play this past season at NC State while shooting 37% from three,” Tipton reported.
In the 2025-26 campaign, Able was primarily a spark off the bench for the Wolfpack under the tutelage of coach Will Wade, who has now transferred to the LSU Tigers. For his first season of college hoops, the Baltimore, Maryland native averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in around 21.7 minutes per contest. After a First Four appearance in the 2026 NCAA tournament, Able aims for a deep postseason run next year with the Tar Heels.
Matt Able was projected by ESPN to be the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
Perhaps some factors as to why Matt Able withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft are to continue to hone his skillset and build on his draft stock. In the latest mock draft by ESPN, Able was projected to be selected in the second round by the Brooklyn Nets with the 33rd overall pick.
Now, Able returns to college and will be coached by Michael Malone, who has a wealth of experience in the NBA, including winning the 2023 NBA title with the Denver Nuggets.
Read More:
UNC Basketball 2026 Commits: Full Recruiting Class and Latest Additions in Michael Malone’s Squad
Michael Malone’s UNC Receives Massive Boost as 6’6″ Freshman Guard Withdraws from NBA Draft
UNC coaching staff 2026: Looking at Michael Malone’s team after Hubert Davis’ exit
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
