The North Carolina Tar Heels are still working to finalize their roster for the 2025-26 college basketball season, with several spots left to fill. On Wednesday, they got clarity on one key player’s future.
Freshman wing Drake Powell announced he is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season with the Tar Heels. Powell made the announcement on social media and in an interview with On3, stating that his full focus is on the draft.
In a message to fans, Powell expressed gratitude for his time at UNC:
“Tar Heel Nation, thank you for embracing and supporting me through the highs and lows of the past season,” Powell wrote. “I’ve grown tremendously on and off the court. Being a Tar Heel is in my blood, and the chance to wear that jersey, run out of the tunnel, and represent this University is something I’ll always treasure.
“To my teammates and brothers, thank you for the unforgettable memories. I’ll carry them with me always.
“Playing at the highest level has always been my dream. This wasn’t an easy decision, but with the support of my family and coaches, I’ve decided to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.”
A former five-star recruit, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 37 games, starting in 24. His draft stock rose over the course of the season, and while he’s currently projected as a fringe first-round pick, he’ll have the opportunity to improve that during the pre-draft process.
For the Tar Heels, Powell’s departure leaves another gap in their roster they’ll need to address this offseason.
Leave a Reply