Drake Powell Declares for 2025 NBA Draft After 1 Season at UNC, B/R's No. 38 Prospect

UNC guard Drake Powell has declared for the NBA draft after one season with the Tar Heels.

Powell made the announcement on his Instagram Wednesday. He also told other outlets the news, including ESPN's Jonathan Givony and On3's Joe Tipton.

Powell ranks 38th overall on the latest Bleacher Report big board from Jonathan Wasserman.

Powell averaged 7.4 points on 48.3 percent shooting and 3.4 rebounds in 25.5 minutes per game. He played in 37 contests, starting 24.

Wasserman offered a pro comparison to former NBA wing Will Barton and had this to say on him in his March 14 big board.

"Depending on Drake Powell's urgency to start his pro journey, it may make more sense to return for a bigger role and NIL money.

"He's played a whopping 50.0 percent of his possessions this year just spotting up, after flashing some ball-handling and playmaking potential as a high school senior. And yet he'd still receive first-round looks if he declared this June.

"Even in an off-ball role, Powell has been efficient with his three-point shooting (39.2 percent) and cutting. And long-term, there is plenty to like about his defensive tools."

Per 247Sports, Powell was a 5-star prospect ranked 11th overall in the class of 2024.

Powell didn't have the most productive season at UNC, but the talent and potential is clearly there. Givony spoke more on his prospects.

As Tipton noted, Powell has stated that he intends to remain in the draft, but he does have the option to back out by the early entry withdrawal deadline of May 28.

Ultimately, signs right now point toward Powell remaining in the mix, meaning he'll be waiting to hear his name beginning Wednesday, June 25, when the draft begins.