With basketball season just around the corner, reporters got an opportunity today to sit down with Tar Heel basketball players and discuss each other, the team, and the upcoming season from their perspective.
Specifically one of the interviews that stood out was Jalen Washington. With Armando Bacot out the door, there is a gaping hole in the middle of the paint that will need to be filled, and Washington is the perfect person for the job.
However, during his interview and among the questions about him stepping up and playing a bigger role, he was asked about his impression of freshman Drake Powell. Washington was quick to give Powell high praise saying “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone with as much raw talent as him.”
Hubert says Drake Powell “checks boxes all over the place” in terms of making impact plays
— Tar Heel Illustrated (@HeelIllustrated) October 4, 2024
Washington went on to tell of a story of Powell playing defensive back on a defensive fast break shutting down the opposite team’s capabilities.
It wasn’t only Washington that was impressed with Powell’s presence. Head coach Hubert Davis had this to say about the freshman.
For a guy to be as talented as he is, he is equally and probably even more humble. Just enjoys and loves being a part of a team. His athleticism and length from a defensive standpoint, is just off the chart. And talking about making impact plays on a number of different areas, he’s somebody who checks boxes all over the place. And so when you bring that type of level of player here, but brings in a team first, humble attitude, that’s something that you always want. And I’m so glad that Drake is here.
The team is shaping up to be one that can make a serious run at winning an ACC and NCAA title this season. Complete with veteran leadership, talented shooters, and young playmakers, North Carolina is poised for a big year.
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