Matt Able enters the transfer portal, declares for the NBA draft. What this means for NC State.

If you’ve been following along, then you were well aware that this was coming.

NEWS: NC State guard Matt Able will enter the @TransferPortal and declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, source told @On3.

The 6-6 freshman averaged 9.2 points per game in ACC play, shooting over 37% from three. Scored 19 points against North Carolina… pic.twitter.com/FJOIY2gygY

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 6, 2026

We first reported Matt Able being an extreme long-shot to come back to NC State back on March 18th after the Pack was eliminated from the NCAAT by Texas in the First Four play-in game.

If you’re wondering what the odds are of Able coming back to NC State after he does his NBA draft workouts and shops himself in the portal, I’d put those at nearly zero.

If you’re wondering why, I’ll explain.

I know a lot of fans loved what Able brought to the table. A 6’6 freshman who averaged 9 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, and shot 35.5% from 3pt range is of value to almost any team, but that’s not really the issue.

Able is going to command a ton of money in the portal, and he didn’t exactly love the way he was used last season. In fact, we heard there were those in his camp who wanted him to minutes at point guard or to be featured more as a scorer.

Able is good, but he’s not a point guard. He also was nowhere near ready to be a featured scorer (in my opinion). At this point, he’s a straightline driver who has a high-center of gravity and doesn’t take contact all that well. NC State could have been a little more creative with Matt, but I also don’t think he showed enough to warrant that during a season where they were constnatly teetering on disaster.

Had Wade stayed, Able was certainly gone. With Gainey now at the helm, I’m not sure much has changed.

The price, the fit, and the involvement of others around him in pushing a role that most coaches aren’t going to promise him. These are the reasons he’ll likely find a new home next season.

But hey, this is the wild west, and if somehow his price falls and he’s willing to take an off-ball role behind a more proven scorer, then I’m sure NC State would have him back.

I just don’t think that’s going to be the case.