UNC guard Drake Powell posts highest vertical leap at NBA Combine

All told, Powell will be hoping to make good on his immense potential in the NBA. He arrived at UNC as a five-star prospect out of Northwood (Pittsboro, NC). He was the No. 13 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During his lone season with North Carolina, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 25.5 minutes per game across 37 appearances. He started 24 games for the Tar Heels. Not the best season, but he’s betting on NBA teams seeing his immense potential.

The Tar Heels made it to the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament, after winning their showdown with San Diego State in the First Four. Powell scored six points in their win, and eight points in North Carolina’s loss to Ole Miss, which eliminated them.

Moving forward, it’ll be fascinating to see how Drake Powell adjusts to the NBA, and which team decides to bring him to their squad. He has a lot to offer, especially if he keeps showing off his athleticism, and he’ll wait to find out what his future holds in June.

More on Drake Powell, 2025 NBA Draft

Here’s what On3’s resident Bracketologist James Fletcher III wrote about Drake Powell earlier in the college basketball season: “Early in the season, Drake Powell’s draft stock took a hit when he failed to secure a significant role for the Tar Heels. Now finding his way into the rotation and into the boxscore every night, there is plenty room for growth and time for him to prove consistency in the results,” Fletcher III noted in January.

“Due to his current stock, Powell is a candidate to potentially test the waters before making a final decision. However, he still has the prerequisite talent and physical measurements to draw attention and move back toward the lottery. At 6-foot-6, Powell is long with broad shoulders, helping him defend at a high level on the perimeter.

“His offense remains a work in progress, averaging 7.4 points on 48.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from deep. The key with those numbers is to maintain efficiency while increasing volume. If he can show improvement there, and consistently showcase it, through ACC play then NBA scouts will surely come knocking again.”