NBA Comparison: Aaron Nesmith / Quentin Grimes

Strengths: A well-rounded shooting guard with a strong frame, good balance, and a mature approach that belies his age … Standing 6’5” with an estimated +4 to +5 wingspan, he has the physical tools to match up with NBA wings and the mature feel of a seasoned contributor … His ambidextrous finishing ability sets him apart … He shoots with his right hand but often elevates to finish with explosive left-handed dunks, using strength and coordination to play through contact … Able excels as a pull-up shooter, especially from the midrange, and is comfortable getting into his jumper off one or two dribbles … He makes quick, efficient decisions with the ball, showing excellent shot selection and rarely forcing contested looks … He plays within the flow of the offense and doesn’t need high usage to be effective … His passing is underrated … He sees the floor well and makes smart reads in both transition and half-court sets … Able is confident and composed with the ball in his hands, rarely rattled under pressure … Defensively, he competes with intensity … He uses his strong base and length to stay in front and has the tools to guard either backcourt spot at the next level … Rebounds well for his position and is active in help situations … His maturity and quiet confidence stand out for a freshman … He can be given full confidence to make sound decisions and execute within the system … A high-floor prospect who impacts the game without needing to dominate the ball.

Weaknesses: While Able’s game is advanced for his age, he is more functionally athletic than explosively quick … He is a straight-line driver who lacks great shiftiness or change of pace in isolation … Doesn’t have a deep bag of dribble moves to create space one-on-one … Relies on strength and timing more than burst when attacking off the bounce … His first step is average, which could limit his ability to break down NBA-level defenders off the dribble … Though capable as a shooter, his three-point volume has been modest … Needs to prove he can consistently knock down NBA-range threes off the catch and on movement … At times, he can be too unselfish … Will pass up clean looks in favor of swinging the ball or resetting the offense … Defensively, he is solid on the ball but still growing as a team defender … Can be late on help rotations and occasionally loses sight of cutters off the ball … Improving his foot speed, tightening his handle, and raising his shooting volume will help unlock his long-term upside.

Outlook: Able enters NC State with the polish, strength, and mentality to contribute right away … His feel for the game, body control, and two-way reliability make him one of the most college-ready freshmen in the country … If he continues to build confidence as a perimeter shooter and develops more burst off the dribble, he has a real chance to emerge as a one-and-done mid-first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft … His mature style, efficient decision-making, and competitive mindset give him one of the higher floors in his class … While he may not be a primary scorer at the next level, he projects as an ideal complementary piece … A tough, poised, two-way guard who fits into winning basketball …

Notes: Matt Able measured 6′ 3.75” barefoot, 195.8 lbs, 6′ 8.25” wingspan, 8′ 7.00” standing reach, 27.5 no step vertical, and 34.0 max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine … Born July 12 … Hometown is Tampa, Florida … Attended Sagemont Prep in Weston, Florida, where he was a standout … Played AAU with Southeast Elite 3SSB … Measured at 6’5” with an estimated 6’9” wingspan …  Class of 2025 prospect heading into his freshman season at NC State … Right-handed shooter who frequently finishes with his left hand … Projects primarily as a shooting guard but can also operate as a secondary ball handler …

Aran Smith 8/3/25