Drake Powell 'All-In' on 2025 NBA Draft, Won't Return to UNC for Sophomore Season

North Carolina wing Drake Powell reaffirmed his decision to enter the 2025 NBA draft pool, telling ESPN's Jeff Borzello he's "all-in on the draft."

Powell added the "door's closed" on returning to the Tar Heels.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected him to go 34th in his most recent mock draft.

"Teams figure to put extra stock into Drake Powell's NBA combine performance and workouts after he spent the year spotting up 49.2 percent of North Carolina's possessions and taking just 5.7 shots per game," Wasserman wrote.

"Despite the lack of production, there could still be first-round interest based on his outstanding physical profile, defensive projection and 37.9 percent three-point shooting."

Powell didn't put up big numbers during his lone season at UNC. In 37 appearances, he averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists. He hit double figures in scoring just 10 times, maxing out at 18 points in a November loss to Michigan State.

That was an underwhelming return from a player who was the No. 11 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2024.

The Tar Heels as a whole had a year to forget, going from ninth in the preseason Associated Press poll to falling out altogether by early December. They lost to Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Maybe Powell simply wasn't set up for success in Chapel Hill, and NBA teams will balance his lackluster numbers with his obvious athleticism.

Based on the fact he's staying in the draft, Powell is seemingly getting enough intel to believe he can be a first-round pick or early second-rounder at worst.