After a disappointing first-round exit in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels faced a significant roster shake-up.
Veteran guard RJ Davis wrapped up his fifth year and declared for the NBA. Elliot Cadeau entered the transfer portal and committed to Michigan. Meanwhile, freshman Drake Powell declared for the NBA Draft while initially preserving his college eligibility.
But after an impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Powell’s stock continued to rise. As a result, the 6-foot-6 guard from Pittsboro, North Carolina, officially announced Thursday that he will remain in the draft, closing the door on a return to Chapel Hill.
“I’m all-in on the draft,” Powell said. “The door’s closed. Coach Hubert Davis has been incredibly supportive throughout this process. I’ve known him a long time, and he’s just happy for me.”
During his lone season in Chapel Hill, Drake Powell started 24 of 37 games, averaging 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Despite his contributions, Powell felt he didn’t get the opportunity to fully display his skill set at North Carolina.
“I feel like I’m the same two-way player I was coming into college,” Powell said. “Obviously, I don’t think I got to showcase that at UNC, but the potential is still there. I’m ready to learn as much as I can and continue to grow.”
Still, as Powell noted, head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heel program have been supportive throughout his draft journey. On Friday, a day after Powell confirmed he would stay in the draft, UNC shared a message celebrating his decision and spotlighting his standout performance at the NBA Draft Combine.
Drake Powell has boosted his draft stock with strong showings at the NBA Draft Combine, drawing attention as a potential first-round pick. However, most 2025 mock drafts still project him in the early second round. ESPN currently slots him at No. 32 overall to the Boston Celtics.
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25 in Brooklyn, New York, with the second round following on June 26.
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