Drake Powell to remain in NBA Draft, closes door on return to North Carolina

North Carolina‘s Drake Powell will remain in the 2025 NBA Draft, forgoing a return to college. He informed reporters of his decision at the Combine on Wednesday afternoon.

“All in on the draft,” Powell said, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. “Door’s closed.”

The talented 6-foot-6 guard spent one season with the Tar Heels, having a sizeable impact while appearing in 37 games. He started 24 of those contests. During that time, Drake Powell averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He also chipped in 1.1 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 steals per game.

On his way out at the NBA Combine, Powell offered up some kind words to his former coach, Hubert Davis. Davis coached Powell for just one year.

“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.”

Labaron Philon to remain in NBA Draft

Drake Powell is not the only one to announce his NBA Draft plans on Wednesday. According to Borzello, Alabama guard Labaron Philon will remain in the 2025 NBA Draft. He previously kept the door open for a return to Tuscaloosa for the 2025-2026 season. But Philon tells Borzello he is “all-in on the draft” and shut down the idea of going back to school.

Philon wound up spending just one season at Alabama after an unusual recruitment. His original commitment was to the Auburn Tigers, opting to play under Bruce Pearl. However, Kansas was able to flip him into their 2024 recruiting class. National signing day saw Philon sign with the Jayhawks.

Bill Self then decided to go heavy in the NCAA transfer portal last offseason, putting Philon back on the open market via a release from his National Letter of Intent. Oats was there to scoop the in-state prospect and bring him to Alabama.

Philon played high school basketball at Link Academy (MO), where he was a four-star prospect, but is originally from Mobile, AL. He was the No. 35 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this report.