Make no mistake: the UNC and NC State men's basketball team's don't like each other. Sure, UNC-Duke is the premier rivalry, but that's based on history compared to pure hatred.
During the 2025 offseason, Ven-Allen Lubin shocked Tar Heel Nation when he transferred to the Wolfpack, particularly after stating his desire to return. Lubin got the better of North Carolina last season, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds in an 82-58 blowout.
On Tuesday, State guard Matt Able committed to UNC in the portal. This now marks the second-straight offseason in which players swapped rivalry teams, showing that past hatred means virtually nothing.
Lubin started 20 of the Tar Heels' 38 games during their 2024-25 season, proving the significantly better option over Jalen Washington. When he left Chapel Hill, North Carolina found itself down a center with extensive collegiate experience.
Able, a freshman, proved himself as a valuable bench option for the Wolfpack last season. In 21.7 minutes per game across 34 appearances, Able averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.9 assists per game.
State fans likely aren't the greatest fans of Able's decision, but UNC fans are thrilled. With the Tar Heels still finalizing their 2026-27 roster, Able will get a golden chance at starting minutes in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina fans didn't appreciate Lubin's decision last offseason, but he benefitted greatly from that move, averaging career-highs of 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Now-LSU head coach Will Wade also started Lubin all 34 games.
There's no telling Michael Malone's plan for Able on next year's roster, but as previously mentioned, Able likely plays plentiful minutes early. Who knows, maybe the former Wolfpack guard becomes a UNC fan favorite?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC, NC State basketball swap transfers for second-straight offseason