The 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has passed, leaving UNC basketball fans disheartened as Drake Powell confirmed his decision to pursue a professional career, forgoing a return to Chapel Hill. While programs like Florida and Michigan welcomed back key players, others, including Duke, lost significant contributors expected to shine in the upcoming season.
Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo! Sports dubbed UNC the biggest loser post-deadline. He highlighted Powell’s importance, noting the 6-foot-6 guard’s modest freshman stats—7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game—belied his potential to become a dynamic scorer and elite defender. Powell’s NBA Draft Combine performance, showcasing a 6-foot-5 frame, 7-foot wingspan, and 37-inch vertical, solidified his status as a likely late first-round pick. His comment at the combine, declaring the “door’s closed” on returning to UNC, stung, as did his remark that he couldn’t fully display his two-way abilities at UNC, despite believing in his potential.
UNC’s roster faces a major overhaul, with only Seth Trimble and James Brown returning from last season. Hopes of Powell staying were dashed, and his combine statements added salt to the wound. Compounding the issue, potential transfer targets like St. John’s RJ Luis and Florida State’s Jamir Watkins also opted to stay in the draft, limiting UNC’s options to bolster its wing position.
It’s a challenging offseason for coach Hubert Davis, as the NBA Draft decisions have left the Tar Heels in a tough spot.
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