UNC basketball’s Drake Powell will enter the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced via Instagram on April 23.
Powell, a 6-foot-6 wing from Pittsboro, is projected to be picked in the mid-to-late first round or early in the second round, according to evaluators. As a freshman for the Tar Heels, Powell averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He became one of UNC’s top two-way players in head coach Hubert Davis’ fourth season.
“… Competing at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal,” Powell wrote in a social media post. “This decision was nowhere near easy, but with the support and guidance of my family and coaches, I will be entering my name into the 2025 NBA draft.”
With Powell entering the draft, UNC will have to replace seven of its top eight scorers from the 2024-25 season.
Here’s a look at Powell’s stats with the Tar Heels and possible landing spots in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Drake Powell stats
A starter in the final 11 games of his freshman season, Powell got to play at his true position as a wing for the Tar Heels. He reached double-digit points in 10 games, but often had to search for shots within an offense that depended heavily on RJ Davis. Powell scored a career-high 18 points against Michigan State in the Maui Invitational and dropped 17 on SMU at the Smith Center. But his best moment at UNC was arguably his defense against Boston College that allowed the Tar Heels to escape with a win. He hounded the inbounder and caused several violations and turnovers. He also made 37.9% of his 3-point attempts and had several big-time blocks throughout the year.
Drake Powell NBA Draft profile, projections
Powell’s athleticism, build and feel for the game as a defender make him an intriguing prospect capable of landing somewhere later in the first round of the draft. He projects as a 3-and-D candidate, showing an improved jumper during his time in Chapel Hill. As a rebounder and defender, Powell has a chance to become a weapon in the right franchise. Minnesota and Orlando are among the possible destinations for Powell.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.