Overview
Drake Powell is one of several one-and-done projects that will hope to get selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6 guard out of Pittsboro, N.C., was ranked as a Top 15 player in the 2024 class and decided to stay in his hometown to play for the Tar Heels. Despite being a freshman, Powell didn’t have problems handling a prominent role right away and ended up starting in 24 of his 37 appearances in his lone year with the program. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but there’s no question Powell has tons of raw potential that could give him another level or two in his game. Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks across 25.6 minutes per contest in his lone year with the program.
Analysis
Powell’s offensive game is still developing. He has a knack for finishing through contact and plays with an aggressive motor, which combines well with his elite athleticism. He’s also a connective playmaker. Powell can also get the job on defense due to his instincts and his athleticism, and his reads should improve as he gets more experience under his belt. As raw as he is, the potential is there.
Projection
Powell is a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has top-shelf athleticism and can be a solid two-way contributor for any team that takes a chance on him. He’s drawn comparisons to players such as Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro and Thabo Sefolosha, though a version of Okoro with more athleticism looks like a more realistic comparison.
— Profile by RotoWire.com