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New UNC basketball guard named an NBA Combine winner
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- New UNC basketball guard named an NBA Combine winner
Excitement continues to build for UNC's first season in the Michael Malone era , particularly around offseason roster additions.
One of Malone's most crucial additions is NC State transfer Matt Able , who thrived in a sizable role off Will Wade's bench last season. Able is projected to start at North Carolina , after no starts in 34 appearances at State, but there's one hiccup.
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Furthered by his strong NBA Combine performances , Able is now garnering significant NBA Draft attention. HoopsHype recently named Able one of their 10 Combine winners.
"The North Carolina guard shot himself into back-end first-round consideration with consecutive strong performances," Sam Yip and Cyro Asseo wrote. "Able scored 15 points in under 20 minutes on 3-of-5 shooting from three in Game 1, then followed up with 17 points on four threes in Game 3, even in a 24-point loss. According to ESPN, he's back and forth on whether to stay in the draft, but his shooting performances may have made the decision easier. His stock has risen from early second round to potential guaranteed first-round territory."
Able further solidifies his slot as a first-rounder with one season of college basketball, but you can't pass up an opportunity to play professional basketball, particularly with Able's strong combine showing.
If Able chooses the NBA route, Isaiah Denis or Jaydon Young likely moves into the Tar Heels ' starting lineup. Malone could also shift his projected rotation around, with guys like freshman Maximo Adams becoming starters.
Able previously revealed he'll keep UNC fans guessing his decision, which doesn't ease anxiety one bit. North Carolina will benefit from Able's return to college, but should also prepare to play next season without him.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Matt Able one of 10 NBA Combine winners
