North Carolina
How Matt Able’s Decision Will Affect North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels have had themselves quite a tense few weeks as they await the decision of Matt Able.
Able — a transfer from NC State — is currently committed to the Tar Heels, while also keeping his name in the 2026 NBA Draft class. Able averaged 8.8 points per game as a freshman at NC State last season, and took part in the NBA Draft Combine, looking to improve his draft stock.
Able has certainly made UNC a bit nervous this month. He was one of the more impressive players at the Combine earlier this month. Over the course of two 5-on-5 scrimmages, Able averaged roughly 16 points per game and was 7-16 from three-point range in that same span.
A willing three-point shooter with a 6-foot-4 frame, Able mostly projects as a second-round pick currently. However, he does still have room to sneak his way into the first round, especially given how well he performed at the Combine.
Able Amongst Portal Pick-Ups
For UNC’s sake, they sure do hope that Able makes the decision to suit up for them next season. He is one of Michael Malone’s top transfer portal acquisitions in his first offseason as head coach. Imagining a world without Able is a reality that the Tar Heels are hoping they can avoid next season.
Many other star talents who did the same as Able have made the decision to come back to college. Most notably, UNC’s most-bitter rival, the Duke Blue Devils, were able to get John Blackwell to withdraw from the draft and return to school for next season.
Without Able, the Tar Heels would be at a significant disadvantage in trying to find his replacement. At this point, the transfer portal cycle is nearly completed, and finding a replacement with similar value to Able will be a nearly impossible task for Malone and his staff.
UNC’s Losses
They’ve already lost several talents from last season, including losing Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar to the draft, and losing role players such as Derek Dixon and Luka Bogavac to the transfer portal, so not only will the Tar Heels be undergoing a massive makeover, but it will be even more prominent if Able doesn’t stay true to his commitment.
The clock is ticking for Able to make a decision. Until then, the Tar Heels — and their fans — will hold their breath and hope that he ends up choosing to come to Chapel Hill after testing the draft waters.
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A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.
According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.
Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.
Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.
In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.
Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.
Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.
Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.
He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.
Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.
He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.
Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.
Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.
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