[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Drake Powell
Frame: 6’6″, 195 lbs
Position: Wing
Team: North Carolina Tar Heels
2025 Draft Age: 19
Stats via www.sports-reference.com

Offense

Powell thrived as an off-ball weapon, finishing the year with a team-low usage rate of 13.3 percent. He contributed by making timely cuts specifically around the basket. Powell shot 69.0 percent at the rim on 71 attempts (53.1 percent assisted). He shows awareness, finding open spaces on the court and filling them before the defense can rotate to finish at the rim through backdoor and 45 cuts. Given his athleticism, he can quickly fill the wings in transition and finish hit-ahead passes from teammates. Powell can convert with either hand, and his length allows him to rise and challenge big men, which should be utilized even more at the next level in offenses that prioritize movement, or even as a screen setter in more unconventional schemes. 

Powell showed promise from behind the arc, shooting 37.9 percent on 95 attempts (100 percent assisted). He has a notably high release, which makes his shot hard to contest given his size; his guide and shooting hands tend to flare apart after the shot is released, but the mechanics are good, mainly the whole way through. Considering his shots came exclusively off the catch, it is reasonable to assume this will project to the next level—being able to space the floor when not involved in an action and hit open threes at a reasonable rate. There is some concern that the shot won’t translate given his poor free-throw shooting, finishing the year at 64.8 percent on 54 attempts, his high release seemed to make him a bit uncomfortable at the line, along with his hands flaring apart, which will be something to monitor. 

Despite his low usage rate, Powell provided the Tar Heels with connective playmaking. Powell only averaged 1.1 assists with an assist percentage of 7.0 percent, yet could take noticeably good care of the basketball, committing 0.7 turnovers per game with a turnover percentage of 12.1 percent. Attributing the lack of turnovers to his limited role in the offense is possible. However, he makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands, passing up good shots for better ones, and doesn’t take any unnecessary risks with the ball. In transition, he does a good job getting the ball ahead, not letting it stick. All of these factors bode well for his transition to the NBA. 

An area of potential growth for Powell is his mid-range shooting, having shot 37.8 percent on 45 attempts on long twos, while being assisted on 29.4 percent of these shots. Powell’s handle is inconsistent at this point, as he tends to struggle getting to his spots against higher-quality defenders, but he has flashed the ability to use jab steps and one to two dribbles to get his shot off. Initially, it will be difficult for Powell to grow this area of his game due to his likely role and opportunity, but he should be able to attack closeouts consistently.

 

Defense

Powell’s calling card is his point of attack defense. With his lateral quickness, active hands, and good motor skills, he provides problems for any player he matches up with. His physical profile lets him matchup with most perimeter players, having the speed to keep smaller guards in front of him, and the size to keep wings from getting to their spots. He is a very physical defender, often matched up body to body with his man, and his constantly swiping hands make ball handlers second-guess their next move. Averaging 1.8 fouls per game, Powell’s hand usage may sometimes get him into foul trouble. He can struggle as a pick-and-roll defender; he is prone to getting caught in ball screens, giving the offense an advantage. He handles bigger forwards well due to his motor and physicality. These should help him earn minutes and stay on the floor in the NBA. 

Powell isn’t a great off-ball defender; he does a solid job being alert and not losing his man, although it can happen to him. He doesn’t create many defensive turnovers even with his tools, averaging 0.7 steals with a steal percentage of 1.6 percent, and 0.7 blocks with a block percentage of 2.8 percent. The next step for Powell as a defender is to utilize his length and quickness to jump passing lanes, and rotate weak side to help around the rim. 

Looking Ahead

Powell entered the college season as a five-star recruit and was willing and capable of adjusting his game to get playing time and contribute to wins. His off-ball contributions offensively and on-ball defense give him a skill set that should allow him to succeed at the next level, despite not filling up the stat sheet this year. 

Powell projects as a late first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft. He is projected as a quality rotation player with upside as a starter if he expands on his defensive playmaking and solidifies his outside shot.