Top-30 4☆ recruit Matthew Able seemed like he enjoyed the Vol Knoxville experience yesterday. This young man from FL had decommitted from ACC school Miami FL a few days ago. The Vols staff seem to really like this guy. Director of Scouting on 24/7 had this to say this past July summer circuit: “Able is a well-built wing with broad shoulders and a very sturdy frame that is only going to keep filling out. He has somewhat unorthodox mechanics for someone who makes threes in bunches, with just a slight hop into a noticeable twisting motion, but nevertheless a fluid release and soft ball. While the jumper looked like the first domino in his attack, he showed the versatility to also make mid-range shots off the dribble and solid athleticism in the open floor. The other thing that was very noteworthy, was Able’s excellent left hand. He was equally comfortable, not just putting the ball on the floor to both sides, but even dunking with both hands. He also showed good perimeter footwork off the catch and was a competitive defender.”

In the world of college basketball recruiting, few moments excite fans more than when a highly-ranked recruit steps onto campus and shows interest in the program. This past week, Tennessee Volunteers basketball fans were buzzing with excitement after top-30, four-star recruit Matthew Able made his way to Knoxville for an official visit. Able, a talented wing from Florida, had decommitted from ACC powerhouse Miami FL just days before his visit to Tennessee, opening the door for a potential new future with the Vols.

Able’s visit to Knoxville seemed to go well, as the young player appeared to enjoy the experience and reportedly made a good impression on the Vols’ coaching staff. As one of the top recruits in the nation, Able’s recruitment has been a subject of great interest in the college basketball world, and his decision could be a game-changer for whichever program he chooses. With Tennessee’s staff reportedly very high on him, the excitement surrounding this potential commitment is palpable.

But who is Matthew Able, and what makes him such a coveted prospect? In this article, we will dive into the scouting reports, Able’s strengths as a player, and why the Vols could be the perfect landing spot for this versatile wing player.

The Early Days of Matthew Able: A Talent on the Rise

Matthew Able hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the class of 2024. Able’s rise through the high school basketball ranks has been nothing short of impressive, with his combination of athleticism, skill, and versatility making him a tough matchup for opposing defenders. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing around 210 pounds, Able has the physical tools to be an immediate contributor at the college level.

While most of his early years were spent in relative anonymity, Able’s stock began to rise rapidly after a standout performance during the 2023 summer circuit. Playing in various AAU tournaments, Able showcased his all-around game, impressing scouts and coaches alike. His ability to score from all three levels, combined with his defensive versatility and strong frame, made him a top target for numerous high-major programs.

It was during this period that Director of Scouting on 24/7 took notice of Able and provided some insightful analysis of his game. According to the scouting report, Able’s combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ made him an intriguing prospect, one who could thrive in a variety of roles on the court. The report highlights several key aspects of his game that have led to his rise in the rankings.

Able’s Scouting Report: A Unique and Versatile Player

As one of the top players in the 2024 class, Able’s strengths are obvious to those who have watched him play. The 24/7 scouting report from July of the 2023 summer circuit provides a detailed breakdown of his game and what makes him such an intriguing prospect:

• Physical Build and Frame: Able’s well-built wing is one of his most notable attributes. With broad shoulders and a sturdy frame, Able already has the physical tools to play at the next level. He’s not just athletic—he’s built for the rigors of college basketball. His body will only continue to fill out as he matures, giving him the potential to become even more imposing as he progresses.
• Shooting: Despite having unorthodox mechanics with a slight hop and noticeable twisting motion in his release, Able still manages to shoot with a fluid release and a soft ball, making him an effective perimeter threat. Able’s three-point shooting is one of his standout skills, and it’s clear that he can stretch the floor as a dangerous shooter from beyond the arc. Even though his form may be unconventional, his ability to consistently knock down shots in bunches is a rare and valuable skill.
• Mid-Range and Driving Ability: In addition to his three-point shooting, Able is also capable of making shots off the dribble from the mid-range, demonstrating impressive versatility as a scorer. His ability to pull up for mid-range jumpers is a key asset to his game, allowing him to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways. But Able’s offensive skill set doesn’t stop there. He also excels at getting to the basket, showcasing solid athleticism and the ability to finish through contact.
• Ambidextrous Finishing: One of the more intriguing aspects of Able’s game is his ability to finish with both hands. Able is equally comfortable using his left hand, not only for layups and finishes around the basket, but also for dunking. His ambidexterity sets him apart from many players his age, giving him more versatility when attacking the basket. This ability to finish with both hands makes him an even more dangerous player, as defenders can’t easily predict which side he will attack from.
• Defense: Able is also a competitive defender who has shown an ability to guard multiple positions on the floor. His perimeter footwork off the catch allows him to stay in front of his man, and his combination of size and agility makes him a versatile asset defensively. Whether it’s locking down on-ball defense or helping out on a switch, Able’s defensive skills will be a key asset for whichever program he commits to.

Matthew Able’s Impact on the Tennessee Volunteers

So why is Tennessee so interested in Matthew Able? For starters, Tennessee’s coaching staff has made it clear that they’re looking for players who can bring both offensive firepower and defensive versatility to the table. And in Able, the Vols could be getting exactly that.

Under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee has become known for its emphasis on defense and positionless basketball. The ability to defend multiple positions, as well as score from different spots on the floor, is something Barnes values highly in his players. Able fits this mold perfectly, with his ability to shoot from the outside, finish inside, and defend on the perimeter.

The addition of a player like Able could also add an important dimension to Tennessee’s offense. With his shooting range and mid-range game, he could provide an additional scoring threat to complement Tennessee’s already impressive roster. His ability to create off the dribble and score in transition could be a major asset to the Vols’ fast-paced style of play.

But perhaps even more important is Able’s ability to play defense at a high level. Tennessee has long been known for its elite defense, and Able’s competitive nature and defensive skills would make him a natural fit for Barnes’ system. Able could step in and immediately make an impact on the defensive end, where his ability to guard multiple positions would allow Tennessee to switch seamlessly on screens and keep opposing offenses off balance.

The Knoxville Visit: A Glimpse into the Future

As for Able’s visit to Knoxville, all indications suggest that it went very well. Recruiting visits are a key part of the process, allowing recruits to get a feel for the campus, the coaching staff, and the team culture. Able’s decision to decommit from Miami and visit Tennessee so soon afterward shows just how serious the Vols are in his recruitment. With the Vols’ staff reportedly liking what they saw from Able, fans are optimistic about the chances of landing him.

Tennessee is known for its passionate fanbase, and if Able were to commit to the Vols, he would be joining a program with a rich basketball tradition and the potential for great things in the coming years. With an exciting blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the Vols are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and a player like Able could be the final piece to an already talented roster.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Matthew Able?

As of now, Matthew Able’s recruitment remains fluid. While Tennessee seems to be in a strong position, the competition is still fierce. Other top programs will undoubtedly be in the mix for his services, and it will ultimately come down to where he feels most comfortable. For Tennessee, the hope is that their emphasis on team basketball, defense, and the potential for early playing time will be enough to convince Able to commit.

In the coming weeks, Able will likely continue to take visits and weigh his options. But for Tennessee fans, the hope is that Able’s recent visit to Knoxville will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his recruitment, with the Vols emerging as his eventual landing spot.

Regardless of his final decision, one thing is clear: Matthew Able is a rising star in the world of college basketball, and whichever program secures his commitment will be adding a dynamic and versatile player to their roster.

For now, Tennessee fans will continue to monitor Able’s recruitment closely, hoping that this talented wing player from Florida will soon become the latest addition to the Volunteer family.