This Recent Trend Good News for UNC Regarding Able’s Decision

Anyone who keeps up with the North Carolina Tar Heels’ basketball program knows what is at stake for head coach Michael Malone and this team in the next 24 hours.

Matt Able, who signed with North Carolina as a transfer from North Carolina State, is still in the process of making his decision whether to stay in the 2026 NBA Draft or return to college and play for the Tar Heels next season. The deadline for prospects to withdraw from the draft and maintain their college eligibility is May 27. While anxiety levels are rising, a current trend pertaining to players still in limbo about their future provides a glimmer of hope for the Tar Heel faithful.

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What Is the Trend?

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Over the last several days, we have seen multiple prospects, who are borderline picks or first-round selections, withdraw from the draft and return to their respective colleges, including Duke’s John Blackwell, Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu, Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno, and Louisville’s Flory Bidunga.

Each player’s situation is unique, but these players staying in college for another season illustrates the current climate of the upcoming draft. With all due respect to these prospects and Able, this class is littered with elite talent, which pushes a multitude of players down the board. Able is better off playing at least one more season before declaring for the draft, which ESPN’s NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo discussed last week.

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Woo’s Thoughts

“Able arrived in Chicago hoping to boost his case for the late first round, coming off an up-and-down freshman year at [North Carolina] State that dampened his preseason buzz,” Woo said. “He did well to bolster his case, playing well again Thursday…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/recent-trend-good-news-unc-100005583.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-26 10:00:00

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