Tag: Drake Powell

Tyler Zeller sharing his love for basketball as high school coach

Tyler Zeller helped UNC capture the 2009 NCAA Championship, then played in the NBA for 10 years. He’s now helping coach a future Tar Heel.

It’s pretty hard to miss former UNC basketball player Tyler Zeller when he walks into a room.

Zeller, who helped the Tar Heels capture the 2009 NCAA Championship, stands at seven feet tall. He led the ACC in field goal percentage (.547) during his junior campaign in 2010-2011, then improved that percentage and his scoring output in senior year.

Zeller enjoyed a 10-year professional career – all in the NBA. He averaged 6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, with his best season coming during 2014-2015 with the Boston Celtics (career-best 10.2 points, 5.7 rebounds per game).

Now three seasons removed from pro ball, Zeller is sharing his passion of the game by coaching high school basketball.

His team? Northwood (N.C.) High School, the same school that boasts 2024, 5-start commit Drake Powell.

Zeller’s in his third year down in Pittsboro, helping as an assistant coach on Matthew Brown’s staff. The Chargers advanced to the NCHSAA 3A Regional Final in their first year with Zeller on staff, then lost to Central Cabarrus in the 3A State Championship Game last year.

According to Chapelboro, Zeller is now drawing up plays in the huddle. He’s hoping to help coach Northwood to its first state title in six tries.

Zeller also noted he could still play pro ball, but the constant traveling was getting to him.

“I’m trying to be home more and be with my family,” Zeller told Chapelboro. “I’ve got three little ones. I usually don’t go to the away games, so I don’t have to travel and get home really late. I can get them to bed, which I wasn’t able to do my last couple years playing.”

Zeller’s work with Powell, UNC’s highest-ranked commit in the 2024 cycle, has proved instrumental.

Since Zeller arrived in Pittsboro, Powell’s seen his scoring averages jump each year – 16.1 points per game in 2021-2022, 18.6 ppg last year and – through just seven games this season, 20 ppg.

“The Carolina coaches did a great job of recruiting him and convincing him to go to Carolina,” Zeller told Chapelboro. “I felt like my job was to coach him and prepare him for that, not influencing his decision to go where I wanted him to go. It was his decision, and I wanted to respect that. I love to coach. I love being around basketball. Having a role where I can be around the game, hopefully help kids grow and become better players, is definitely something I would be interested in.”

Powell will make the short trip up 15-501 to Chapel Hill next year. Will Zeller follow him?

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Drake Powell showcases stellar court vision at USA Basketball camp

Northwood (N.C.) High School senior Drake Powell, UNC’s top basketball recruit in the 2024 class, showed out at a recent USA hoops camp.

Northwood High School (N.C.) senior Drake Powell is one of the country’s top prep basketball players.

His stats tell you one thing, but those are just numbers.

Powell is one of the country’s top high school players because of his ability to make virtually anything happen. He can grab a rebound and sprint down the court for a dunk in seconds, bounce through ball screens and lock down ball-handlers with his long arms and, most importantly, take over a game when his team needs it.

Whereas the UNC basketball team will graduated talented program staples in Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis next year, it gains in Powell. He is currently the fourth-ranked recruit in 247Sports’ Class of 2024 rankings.

Over the weekend, Powell spent his weekend in Colorado Springs, participating in the USA Basketball Junior Minicamp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

He shined amongst some of the country’s top players at the Minicamp – just check out this clip below.

I’m sure Powell is elated to be participating with the National Team, but his main focus will soon turn to helping Northwood finally capture the NCHSAA 2A state championship. The Chargers advanced to the 3A championship earlier this year and in the COVID-shortened, 2020-2021 campaign, but lost both times.

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UNC Basketball lands two recruits in Rivals updated Top 10

Two UNC basketball commits are ranked in the Top 10 for the 2024 class by Rivals.

As Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 college basketball season, the future is bright in terms of recruiting.

The Tar Heels currently have a three-man 2024 recruiting class headlined by five-star recruits Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. They also have a four-star big man James Brown, giving Davis a good foundation for his class.

Both Jackson and Powell are a big reason why the Tar Heels have a top 3 class, and in a recent update by Rivals, both landed in the top 10 for the 2024 rankings.

Powell shot up the rankings after committing to UNC back in September of 2022 and checks in at No. 8. Here is what Rob Cassidy had to say about the recruit:

Cassidy’s Take: A future North Carolina Tar Heel,  Drake Powell had an impressive grassroots season but really turned it on at Peach Jam, where he looked like the complete player into which many had hoped he’d blossom. In five games at the event, Powell shot 55% from the floor and averaged 16.6 PPG, 10 RPG and 3.6 APG.

He is hitting his stride as he begins his senior year and has looked every bit like a top-10 player for the better part of the last three months.

Jackson wasn’t too far behind him, coming in at No. 9:

Cassidy’s Take: The 6-foot-5  Ian Jackson is one of the most athletic prospects in the class. He’s a much better defender than he sometimes gets credit for being, possibly because his three-level scoring ability hogs the headlines. He’s best in transition but has some serious shot-creation ability in the half court as well.

The Tar Heels are likely done in the 2024 class unless there is a reclassification by a future prospect. They will likely add in the transfer portal as well but the foundation is good for Davis and his staff.

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UNC basketball commit earning praise in one key area of game

UNC Basketball commit Drake Powell was named among the best recruits at this skillset by an analyst.

North Carolina commit Drake Powell has achieved five-star status this year as he has elevated his game. The in-state prospect committed to North Carolina back in September of 2022 and since then has become a top 10 player in the 247Sports rankings.

And Powell isn’t done getting better.

The forward continues to impress, whether it be during his high school season or in AAU competition. He’s earned praise from several analysts including being called one of the top prospects regardless of class.

Now, Powell is earning more praise as the summer continues to roll on as one recruiting analyst listed him among the best perimeter defenders in the 2024 class.

On3’s Jamie Shaw revealed his list this week which includes Powell. But it’s what Shaw had to say that stands out:

The Skinny: Had it not been for Cooper Flagg reclassifying into the 2024 class, Drake Powell would have claimed the top spot in this category. Quite simply, Powell is that dude on the defensive end. While his counting numbers might not be that of Flagg’s, Powell’s ability to hold each of his opponents well below their averages is a testament to what he is capable of.

That’s some high praise.

Per Shaw, Powell is considered one of the top perimeter defenders and he’s right there close to the top of the list. While it’s been Powell’s game on offense that has earned him praise, seeing his defense get mentioned is a big plus.

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UNC basketball recruit named a top 10 prospect in high school

UNC basketball recruit Drake Powell has been named among the top 10 prospects in high school regardless of class by an analyst.

Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels’ have the No. 1 class in the 2024 cycle with three commitments and potentially room to add more.

Among the prospects committed is five-star forward Drake Powell. The in-state prospect committed to North Carolina back in 2023 and since then he has elevated his game, earning a fifth star and climbing into the top 10 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings.

This summer, Powell continued his hot play and is drawing the interest of several analysts. Most recently, Powell was named one of the top 10 best prospects in high school regardless of class.

Adam Finkelstein posted his list of the top 15 prospects currently in high school, with Powell checking in at No. 8:

Thats’ high praise for Powell to be compared to some of the best players in the country regardless of the class. Looking at 2024, Powell would be ranked No. 4 in that class behind Cooper Flagg who just reclassified, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.

Powell’s rise has been fun to watch and if he continues playing this well, he could move up even more in the 2024 rankings.

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Four-star combo guard recruit Sir Mohammed commits to Notre Dame

Another addition to the 2024 recruiting class.

[autotag]Micah Shrewsberry[/autotag]’s team of the future is picking up steam. Two days before 2024 four-star combo guard recruit [autotag]Sir Mohammed[/autotag] was set to announce his college pick, 2024 four-star forward [autotag]Garrett Sundra[/autotag] committed to Notre Dame. Now, you can add Mohammed to the Irish’s 2024 recruiting class. Mohammed announced his commitment during the Elite 24 showcase in Atlanta:

Needless to say, Shrewsberry had to celebrate everything that had transpired of late:

Mohammed, the son of former NBA player Nazr Mohammed, ranks fourth among 2024 recruits from North Carolina on 247Sports. He visited Notre Dame on June 18 and also took official visits to Virginia Tech, Marquette and Stanford. With this announcement, three of North Carolina’s top four 2024 recruits have committed to ACC programs. Drake Powell has picked North Carolina, Isaiah Evans is headed for Duke, and Jayden Quaintance has not yet made his decision.

Mohammed, who joins Sundra and [autotag]Cole Certa[/autotag] in the Irish’s 2024 recruiting class, has put up solid numbers for Myers Park in Charlotte. In three seasons on the varsity squad, he has averaged 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals a game. That’s the type of production the Irish will take, and here’s hoping that translates at the college level.

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UNC basketball 2024 commit Drake Powell named to Nike Skills team

Drake Powell, one of two 2024 5-star commits for the UNC men’s basketball team, is participating in the Nike Skills Academy this week.

Last year, 5-star UNC basketball commit Drake Powell showed the world why he’s one of the best players in the Class of 2024.

Powell, a rising senior at Northwood (N.C.) High School, averaged 18.6 points per game last year en route to the Chargers’ appearance in the NCHSAA 3A state championship game. Northwood dominated the Central 3A conference with a 28-3 (12-0) record, then continued to run through the conference tournament.

Powell can do pretty much everything on the court – make full-court passes, slam down thunderous dunks, knock down 3-pointers with ease and pull up from mid-range.

Just three months’ out from the start of his senior year, Powell is continuing to earn himself opporunities in the basketball world. On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Powell earned himself a well-deserved spot on the Nike Skills Academy’s High School Boys team (top left).

Powell will be training alongside some of the country’s top high school talent in Oregon this week, including UNC target Boogie Fland and Charlotte native (North Mecklenburg High School) Isaiah Evans.

The Nike Skills Academy allows high school and collegiate basketball players to train alongside some of the NBA’s best players and coaches.

There’s no doubt that this exposure will help improve Powell’s skillset even more, which would be scary for opponents. He’s already showed what he can do in both his high school season and off-season tournaments.

Powell will try to help Northwood get over the hump of winning a state championship in year four. The Chargers will move down to a 2A conference with Pittsboro rival Seaforth, Bartlett Yancey, Chatham Central, Cummings, Graham, Jordan-Matthews and North Moore.

Training with the best increases Powell’s likelihood of achieving this goal.

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UNC basketball commit Drake Powell is impressing during summer circuit

Drake Powell, one of two 5-star commits in the UNC men’s basketball team’s 2024 class, is impressing the media during summer basketball.

Drake Powell is one of the UNC men’s basketball team’s two five-star players in the Class of 2024. Powell helped his Northwood High School squad to two NCHSAA state championship game appearances in the past three seasons.

The Chargers made a run to the 3A title game in 2021, losing 57-46 to Weddington High. They looked more dominant in 2023, breezing through conference play undefeated, but fell in the 3A championship to Central Cabarrus.

During his three seasons in Pittsboro, Powell has been the best player on the floor. According to MaxPreps, he’s averaged 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

Without Max Frazier and Kenan Parrish to share the floor with him, those averages should increase for Powell during his senior season.

As he prepares to capture an elusive state championship, Powell is impressing on the summer circuit.

When asked which prospects impressed him most during July, Rivals.com’s Jason Jordan highlighted Powell.

“I had seen him during the high school season and didn’t leave overly impressed, but watching him play in July and really. all spring and summer, changed my perspective on his capabilities and projections,” Jordan said. “He was stellar at Peach Jam, averaging 16.6 points, 10 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game. I was mostly impressed with his ability as a playmaker and his feel and vision. He knocked down shots consistently and got to the rim with ease. At 6-foot-6, that’s going to be a vital weapon in Chapel Hill early and often.”

Powell and fellow 2024 five-star Ian Jackson are going to form a lethal backcourt at UNC. With four-star center James Brown joining them, Carolina fans should feel confident about the future.

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Analysts believe this UNC basketball recruit could reach top 3 in 2024 rankings

A five-star UNC basketball commit could move into the top 3 of the 2024 recruiting rankings per analysts after the Nike Peach Jam.

One Drake has already made his mark on the University of North Carolina: Quarterback Drake Maye is set for his second season as a starter. Now, another Drake is gaining headlines before he steps foot on campus.

Five-star recruit Drake Powell committed to North Carolina in September 2022. At that time, Powell was a four-star recruit. But he has elevated his game and earned a fifth star. Powell had a fantastic junior season and is standing out on the AAU circuit. He has climbed all the way to No. 9 on the 247Sports rankings and another rise could be looming.

In a recent podcast on 247Sports, Adam Finkelstein, Travis Branham and Eric Bossi discussed the Peach Jam and which prospects improved their stock during the event. Powell was mentioned in the segment with some praise:

“I think it’s pretty clearly Drake Powell,” Bossi said. “I don’t think this is a hot take, because he’s a guy we already moved into the national top 10. But when we did so, we discussed how the production didn’t match the tools yet or we would have ranked him higher. Well guess what? The production is matching the tools now. Man is he something special. … Me, personally, I think you can make a strong argument for Drake Powell in the top three for the class of 2024 at this point.”

That’s a strong statement from a respected national recruiting analyst in Bossi. But he wasn’t the only one who mentioned it.

Branham agreed.

“He’s definitely in the top three conversation for me,” Branham said. “He’s absolutely in the top five on my personal board, and he has been for a good part of close to six months at this point.”

That’s certainly great news for North Carolina who locked up a commitment from the in-state prospect early. With Powell’s rise, it means UNC could have two players in the top five or potentially top three depending on what Ian Jackson does from now until next year.

You can watch the full interview below:

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UNC commit Drake Powell named among biggest stock risers

UNC basketball recruit Drake Powell continues to receive more hype as he was named among the biggest risers in the July period.

Drake Powell’s rise as a North Carolina basketball commit continues this summer right after he earned five-star status as a recruit.

Since Powell committed to the Tar Heels in 2022 he’s taken his game to a new level. Not only did he earn his fifth star by 247Sports, he also climbed into the top 10 in the site’s recruiting rankings for the 2024 class. Sitting as the No. 9 prospect, Powell continues to impress and recently he was named as a player who has raised his stock recently.

Eric Bossi of 247Sports wrote on Powell’s game, listing him as one of his biggest risers from the first evaluation period in July:

What he did: When we last updated our 2024 rankings, Drake Powell made a leap into the national top 10. At that time the only reason we didn’t move him up higher was because his production wasn’t quite there yet. After the 16.6 points, 10 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game he had during the Peach Jam, Powell has now shown the type of production that we were hoping to see.

As explosive as any wing in the class, Powell’s ability to blow by defenders, play off of two feet, always be on balance and then elevate over anybody is undeniable. Thinking long term, he shows promise as a playmaker for others and he has all of the tools to be an elite defensive player as well. Personally, I would rank him in the top five nationally.

Powell’s ceiling continues to climb as well, especially with him playing the way he has.

North Carolina currently has two top 10 recruits with Ian Jackson being in the top 5 as well. There’s potential for Powell to move up even more which means UNC’s class will get even better.

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