By Pat Welter

He’s a hometown hero, who now gets to play in the basketball capital of the world. Pittsboro’s Drake Powell was taken by the Brooklyn Nets in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks 22nd overall in the 2025 NBA draft. 

“A lot of emotions, but happiness is the main one,” Powell said from his family’s home in North Carolina moments after hearing his name called on television surrounded by family, close friends, and his agent. “Being able to experience it with the people who know me best away from basketball, that was really big for me.”

After being named a McDonald’s All-American at Northwood High School in Pittsboro, Powell went on to play one season at UNC. He averaged 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and shot 37.9% from three.  His defensive accumen is his calling card, and is something that could help Brooklyn right away. 

“[I’m] a guy that’s willing to do the dirty work and compete at a high level every night,” Powell said.  

Leaving UNC wasn’t an easy decision for Powell. Playing for the Tar Heels was a dream come true and a place where both of his parents graduated from.  As a freshman, Powell often played out of his natural position for the good of the team.  Some scouts and draft analysts believed he could have benefitted from another season in college. 

“Not an easy decision to make,” Powell said. “Some of that weight was pulled off of me a little bit, talking it over with my family members, my coaches, as well as my agency as well.  The ultimate decision was to go forward.”

In New York City, Powell is excited to connect with his former UNC teammate and roommate, Ian Jackson, who transferred to St. John’s. Back in Pittsboro there will be a whole community rooting for him. 

“Very fortunate to have been his coach for four years,” Northwood High School basketball coach Matt Brown said at a NBA draft watch party at Hops and Berry in Pittsboro. “To be a little part of that journey that he’s on right now…it’s very exciting and very humbling.”

“I think we are extremely proud to have him from our community,” Northwood High School athletic director Cameron Vernon said. “Doing so well not only in basketball, but out in the world.  He’s a standup guy.”

The Hops and Berry watch party cheered every time Drake’s name showed up on the television screen under “best available.” When his name was actually called they erupted. Powell paid back the support by appearing at a UNC and Northwood High School youth camp Thursday morning after the draft. 

“It’s a great sense of community that we have here in Pittsboro,” Powell said on draft night. “I was happy that I was able to in a small way to bring everyone together.”

Powell’s accomplished his dream of playing for UNC and now getting drafted by an NBA team. Brooklyn features a young roster and Powell is looking forward to the fit. 

“I just want to put full forth into my dream,” Powell said. “And build a long NBA career.”

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