{"id":643028,"date":"2026-05-14T17:12:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T17:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/643028\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T17:12:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T17:12:09","slug":"unc-signee-thrives-with-wednesday-breakout-at-nba-combine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/643028\/","title":{"rendered":"UNC signee thrives with Wednesday breakout at NBA Combine"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026-27 UNC basketball roster<\/a> is rounding into shape, thanks to several returns, transfer portal additions and incoming high school recruits.<\/p>\n

Matt Able<\/a>, an NC State transfer expected to start this fall for North Carolina<\/a>, is currently thriving at the NBA Combine.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

If Able keeps performing like this, his NBA Draft stock<\/a> is bound to improve. More importantly, the Tar Heels<\/a> will have a sizable hole to fill on their roster.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Should Able decide to choose the NBA, the Tar Heels likely start Jaydon Young<\/a>, Isaiah Denis or the newly-acquired Kevin Thomas<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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Believe it or not, North Carolina isn’t done adding to its roster. The Tar Heels’ current top target is 6’11” Greek forward Alexandros Samodurov<\/a>, while another portal player or uncommitted star could chose Chapel Hill as his next destination.<\/p>\n

You have to feel happy for Able, as pro basketball is every collegiate player’s dream, but selfishly you want Able donning a UNC jersey this fall.<\/p>\n

Follow us\u00a0@TarHeelsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Matt Able stands out at NBA Combine<\/a><\/p>\n