KNOXVILLE, TN: Matthew Able, five-star shooting guard, left Tennessee with a strong impression following his unofficial visit to the SEC program during their 79-76 victory over Alabama. The highly-touted prospect, who recently reopened his recruitment after decommitting from Miami, ranks No. 26 nationally according to On3’s industry composite. The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter with a remarkable 6-foot-10 wingspan has emerged as a priority target for several elite programs in College Basketball recruiting.
Recruitment Update
The timing of Able’s visit aligns with his recent decision to decommit from Miami, putting him back on the market as one of the most coveted shooting guards in the 2025 class. His trip to Knoxville has already made waves, with the atmosphere at Thompson-Boling Arena leaving a lasting impression.
“It’s the biggest college arena I’ve been in for sure,” Able said following the visit. “The environment was energetic from the very beginning. That really stood out to me.”
Beyond Tennessee, Alabama of the SEC and Baylor have emerged as serious contenders, with Able confirming plans to take unofficial visits to both campuses in the near future. The shooting guard emphasized that academics, team culture, and environment will be the determining factors in his eventual decision.
Player Profile
Able’s game centers around his exceptional shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. His textbook shooting mechanics and quick release make him an immediate threat in any offensive system. Beyond shooting, his length and basketball intelligence allow him to contribute as both a secondary playmaker and perimeter defender.
“Matthew combines the shooting touch of a specialist with the all-around game of a complete guard,” explains a prominent recruiting analyst. “His ability to read defenses, move without the ball, and create for others separates him from typical shooters in this class.”
Last season, Able demonstrated his scoring efficiency by posting 22.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 43% from three-point range, placing him among the nation’s elite perimeter threats.
School Fit
Tennessee’s offensive system under coach Rick Barnes presents an ideal fit for Able’s skillset. The Volunteers’ offense heavily features off-ball movement with players utilizing down screens and away screens to create open shooting opportunities—schemes that would maximize Able’s shooting prowess.
During his visit, Able had productive conversations with Barnes, who outlined specifically how the five-star guard would integrate into Tennessee’s established system. The Volunteers currently have multiple scholarships available for the 2025-26 season, having already secured two fall signees.
“The way they run their offense with lots of different guys coming off down screens and away screens would fit perfectly with my shooting ability,” Able noted after observing Tennessee’s offensive sets during his visit.
Future Timeline
While still early in his recruitment process, Able’s upcoming visits to Alabama and Baylor will provide important context for his eventual decision. No formal announcement date has been set, suggesting he’s taking a methodical approach to finding his collegiate home.
Industry experts believe Tennessee made a significant impression during this visit. “Getting him on campus early after his decommitment was strategic,” one recruiting insider noted. “The game atmosphere and direct conversations with Coach Barnes have positioned Tennessee well in this recruitment.”
For the latest updates on Matthew Able’s recruitment journey, stay connected with Prospect-Radar.com and explore our coverage of SEC basketball recruiting battles and Tennessee’s 2025 class.
