UCLA is continuing its trend of going younger eligibility wise through the transfer portal. Outside of the interest shown in John Blackwell. The Bruins have been going heavy after players with two and three years of eligibility remaining. They hosted North Carolina State’s recent transfer portal addition in Matt Able. He spent one season with the team and entered the transfer portal and NBA draft process and has three years of eligibility remaining.
NC State transfer Matt Able is also on campus at #UCLA, meeting with Mick Cronin and staff.
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) April 14, 2026
Able is a good two-way player, his offense will continue to grow and he is a capable defender. He averaged 1.2 steals per game over 34 games last season. His ability to space the floor as well at 35.5% on 4.1 attempts per night, would help the team tremendously. UCLA was able to bring in Jaylen Petty to help replace some of Skyy Clark’s shooting. But in a 3-point heavy game now, you can never have enough players that can shoot from long range.
The part that is very intriguing is Able provides very good size. He is a lanky player at 6’6 and 205 pounds. As he is above average height for a guard which allows him to play a wing type position. If UCLA is not able to land the Blackwell through the portal. This would be a great add for them to boast a taller lineup with the goal of sticking with Eric Dailey Jr. at the four. While also bringing in a true traditional center.
⚜️Available Transfer⚜️
— Transfer Tapes (@TransferTapes) April 10, 2026
Matt Able… pic.twitter.com/T2xgpCQol7
This new approach that UCLA is on is going to test the coaching staff. But it is the right route to go. Developing players is needed. They showed that they’re able to retain players. Which is very hard to do in this NIL era. But if you can be able to keep these guys and grow them together. You can build yourself a contender because a new strategy is definitely needed. Round of 32 yearly exits is not UCLA basketball.
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