UNC freshman wing Drake Powell has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. Powell made the announcement on his Instagram page Wednesday afternoon.

While playing at Pittsboro’s Northwood High School, Powell became a five-star prospect across all major recruiting services. The son of two UNC graduates, Powell became one of the highest-rated recruits to ever sign under head coach Hubert Davis.

Powell averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in his freshman season in Chapel Hill. He appeared in all 37 games and started 24, including the final 11 games of the season. Carolina went 8-3 in that stretch, during which time Powell shot 39.3 percent on three-pointers and 60.5 percent on twos. For the season, Powell’s three-point percentage of 37.9 ranked behind only Ian Jackson and Jae’Lyn Withers.

A talented and athletic defender, Powell ranked third on the team with 25 blocked shots. His 26 steals ranked fourth.

Though Powell could theoretically return to Chapel Hill, his potential departure means UNC could stand to lose all five of its starters from the final game of the 2024-25 season. Elliot Cadeau and Ven-Allen Lubin have already entered the transfer portal (with Cadeau since signing with Michigan), while R.J. Davis and Jae’Lyn Withers are out of college eligibility.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Chris Seward

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