5 Questions on Matthew Able: Will NC State’s Freshman Flash Early?

In this episode of 5 Questions, Inside Pack Sports breaks down NC State Basketball freshman guard Matthew Able‍, the first prep commitment for Will Wade and one of the most highly touted recruits in recent Wolfpack history.

A five-star prospect and top-30 national talent, Able arrives in Raleigh with legitimate one-and-done buzz — but how big will his role actually be as a freshman?

We examine how he fits into NC State’s backcourt rotation, how his skillset complements Tre Holloman, Paul McNeil, and Qaadir Copeland, and whether he can deliver the kind of breakout season that Terquavion Smith once did.

Early practice reports have been glowing: Able’s athleticism, shooting touch, and scoring instincts have already turned heads. The question is how quickly that translates to consistent ACC minutes.

We explore five key questions:

Was Matthew Able recruited to contribute immediately or develop behind veterans?

How high is his ceiling compared to NC State’s recent freshman guards?

What’s his best role early — spark scorer, secondary playmaker, or sixth man?

What’s the risk if he struggles with efficiency or defense?

And what’s the long-term projection for his draft stock?

Bottom line: Able’s upside is real — if he adapts quickly, he could be one of the ACC’s most impactful freshmen.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the feature!