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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 14: Drake Powell #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels brings the ball up court /D during the semifinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Jacob Kupferman via Getty Images
Summary: Powell has a chiseled frame that he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he’s on defense. He’s a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum.
Comparisons: Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro
Strengths
At-rim finishing: Powell’s sheer size and strength also allow him to absorb contact on layups. And when he has space to launch, he’s an explosive finisher.
Spot-up shooting: Powell made 39.5% of his catch-and-shoot 3s as a North Carolina freshman, comparable to his 40.5% mark as a high school senior, per Synergy. Despite his poor free throw percentage in college (65.5%) he routinely shot over 80% in high school and EYBL competitions.
Connective playmaking: He keeps the ball moving within the flow, pinging it around the floor, or making slick bounce passes on the interior. He isn’t a primary creator but can at least make a play off a closeout or on the break.
Defensive versatility: As a great athlete with strength, length, and lateral quickness, he has the ability to switch across multiple positions. He also has a high motor and competes away from the ball.
Concerns
Limited shot creator: He doesn’t do much else besides straight-line drives to the rim with an occasional basic one-dribble pull-up.
Defensive playmaking: Powell logged less than one steal and one block per game. Historically, players with such low steal/block totals don't pan out defensively in the way you might expect considering their talents on the surface.
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