North Carolina men’s basketball fans saw nine players from the 2024-25 team move onto other endeavors. Three exhausted their eligibility, five entered the transfer portal, and only one declared for the NBA Draft — which might’ve been a shock to hear this time last year.

Drake Powell is that lone prospect, as he officially declared for the NBA Draft on Apr. 23.

The process that follows that decision isn’t exactly linear. Powell, along with a handful of other players, use the next few weeks to chat with potential suitors, workout with teams, and hope to receive an invite to the NBA Draft Combine — a positive sign for those looking to hear their name called on draft night. While Powell appeared to be locked into the draft process, reports did surface that he maintained his collegiate eligibility if the next steps did not go as planned.

So far, so good for the former Tar Heel, as Powell officially received an invite to the NBA Draft Combine on Friday.

The NBA announced today that 75 players have been invited to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which will take place from May 11-18 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

Additionally, a select number of standout players from the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp, which… pic.twitter.com/KlCy4tcvW8

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 2, 2025

Powell is a 6-foot-6, 195-pound wing from Pittsboro, North Carolina. Even though he entered as a top-15 recruit, his freshman campaign in Chapel Hill doesn’t jump off the page statistically. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from three.

His intangibles, though, is what gets the majority of attention at the next level. His freaky athleticism and lengthy frame makes him an immediate prospect for NBA scouts, regardless of how his freshman year looked on paper. Still, most UNC fans would argue Powell was a critical part of the 2024-25 squad and his next steps should be substantial. That’s what professional teams see, as well.

Powell’s draft selection relies heavily on his performance at the combine, where he will have an opportunity to showcase his skills in front of the entire league. The event takes place from May 11-18 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

Unfortunately, former All-American RJ Davis was not invited to the event.