North Carolina landed one of the top prospects in the state of North Carolina and a nationally ranked prospect in 2024 Drake Powell on Thursday, giving the Tar Heels their first commitment for the Class of 2024. We have seen Powell countless times and it was a big get for UNC, as we dive into more about his game, why he is such an important get, and much more.
Why was Powell such an important get for the Tar Heels?
Hard to believe that this was an important snag for North Carolina, given how big the brand is. But this was a very critical get for the Tar Heels. Why? Well, even before his commitment and even before the offer came, it was no news that Powell was strong with North Carolina and when that offer eventually came, the clock started to tick in many eyes on his commitment to UNC. So, for North Carolina to continue that and ultimately land Powell is a good sign; to not lose out on what looked to be a strong lean towards UNC early on. As well, this is a big-instate prospect that UNC likes to land and build around, much as they have done in the past.
What can he bring?
The best way that I like to compare Powell’s game and what he could provide is that he reminds me a lot of what Leaky Black provides to North Carolina today, but stronger in certain areas. How does he remind me of Black? He is a long, 6’6 (and still growing) prospect that has the length and defensive mindset to lock in and be a game-changer on the defensive end, much of what Black provides to UNC today. Powell has locked up and shut down some big-time prospects in the past and believes he continues that trend for North Carolina in providing that lockdown defender. But where he excels more than Black is on the offensive end. He has a smooth and confident mid-range game and rises up well from behind the arc. Powell also is incredibly smart on the court, displaying his ability to be another solid ball-handler on the floor. Powell’s offense is strong and should only continue to grow in the years to come, as he gets bigger and stronger.
This play below from the high school LIVE period can sum it all up in 20 seconds:
What Was Said Before:
Even before Powell’s commitment, I was high on his game and what he could ultimately be, maybe higher than other national outlets. If his trajectory continues and exceeds what he could be at the next level, Powell has a chance to carve out a spot at the highest level in my opinion. But again, that is if he continues his trend of trajectory in the coming years.
This is what I had to say back in July about what he brings to the table:
“It is the impact he makes on the court in so many areas of the court as well as what he could ultimately end up being if his trajectory continues the way it has been going. But when you look at his game today both offensively and defensively, Powell provides so much on the floor and is a player that comes out looking to prove himself. Offensively, Powell uses his length extremely well but also has big-time athleticism. With him on the court, he provides another ball-handler on the court and one that makes high IQ players, whether for himself or for others. Powell does a great job in finding his teammates on the court. He also is able to finish high above the rim or finish strong around defenders, while also having such a smooth and confident mid-range jumper. Now, there is still work left with his 3-point shooting, but one can see that he has also continued to improve in that area. But what separates him from the rest is his impact in other areas. This is a young man that can make his impact felt on the defensive end as well, using that same length to be extremely disruptive; and he can elevate that even more when he is looking to prove himself even more. We have seen him shut down some big-time prospects in the past, as Powell can be a game-changer on the defensive end. He also uses that athleticism to block shots and be active on the boards.”
Full Article: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/pobs-player-thoughts-2024-drake-powell/