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Playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels was a childhood dream for Drake Powell, who grew up just 30 minutes south of Chapel Hill.
Powell, who attended Northwood High School in Pittsboro, was an integral part of UNC's small – but loaded – 2024 class. Starting 24 of North Carolina's 37 contests, Powell compiled averages of 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game – while shooting 48.3 percent from the field.
Though Powell left his options open for a possible return to the Tar Heels, we recently learned Powell's final decision – and it's one UNC fans may not like. On Wednesday, Powell told ESPN's Jeff Borzello that the "door is closed" – and he will stay in the NBA Draft.
"All-in on the draft," Powell said. "Door's closed."
Powell also told Borzello that UNC head coach Hubert Davis has been very supportive of Powell throughout his NBA Draft process.
"Hubert Davis has been very supportive during this process," Powell said. "I've known him for a long time ... and he's just happy for me."
Though Powell didn't elaborate on his decision to stay in the NBA Draft process, his impressive performance at the Draft Combine is a likely reason why.
Powell lead all Combine attendees with a 37.5-inch no-step vertical leap – and a 43-inch max (running) vertical leap. Powell's 3.07 three-quarter-court sprint ranked fourth amongst Combine participants, while his 2.79-second shuttle run and 10.71-second pro lane drill both ranked seventh.
With Powell's official departure, the door is wide open for a Cade Tyson return. Though Tyson never lived up to his 2024 offseason transfer portal hype, averaging just 2.6 points in 7.9 minutes per game, Tyson showcased his potential with a pair of double-digit point outings (11 vs. American, UNC career-high 23 vs. La Salle).
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball star Drake Powell to stay in NBA Draft
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Powell, who attended Northwood High School in Pittsboro, was an integral part of UNC's small – but loaded – 2024 class. Starting 24 of North Carolina's 37 contests, Powell compiled averages of 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game – while shooting 48.3 percent from the field.
Though Powell left his options open for a possible return to the Tar Heels, we recently learned Powell's final decision – and it's one UNC fans may not like. On Wednesday, Powell told ESPN's Jeff Borzello that the "door is closed" – and he will stay in the NBA Draft.
"All-in on the draft," Powell said. "Door's closed."
Powell also told Borzello that UNC head coach Hubert Davis has been very supportive of Powell throughout his NBA Draft process.
"Hubert Davis has been very supportive during this process," Powell said. "I've known him for a long time ... and he's just happy for me."
Though Powell didn't elaborate on his decision to stay in the NBA Draft process, his impressive performance at the Draft Combine is a likely reason why.
Powell lead all Combine attendees with a 37.5-inch no-step vertical leap – and a 43-inch max (running) vertical leap. Powell's 3.07 three-quarter-court sprint ranked fourth amongst Combine participants, while his 2.79-second shuttle run and 10.71-second pro lane drill both ranked seventh.
With Powell's official departure, the door is wide open for a Cade Tyson return. Though Tyson never lived up to his 2024 offseason transfer portal hype, averaging just 2.6 points in 7.9 minutes per game, Tyson showcased his potential with a pair of double-digit point outings (11 vs. American, UNC career-high 23 vs. La Salle).
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball star Drake Powell to stay in NBA Draft
Continue reading...
