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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