By Gene Galin
Chapel Hill, NC – Chatham County native Drake Powell has quickly made his mark in college basketball, as the Northwood High School graduate continues to shine on the court for the University of North Carolina. Wes Durham, an ACC Network sports broadcaster and analyst, shared his insights into Powell’s potential and his development during a conversation with me before Wednesday night’s basketball game at the Dean Smith Center. Wes discussed Powell’s strengths, areas for growth, and the crossroads Powell faces as he decides between continuing his collegiate career or entering the NBA draft.
Drake Powell, hailing from Pittsboro, North Carolina, has not only become a standout player for the UNC Tar Heels but also a point of pride for Chatham County. His transition from high school star to college athlete at one of the nation’s premier basketball programs has been rather swift and impressive. Wes Durham, known for his work with ESPN and ACC broadcasts, shared his perspective on Powell’s evolution from high school standout to an emerging force on the national stage.
Durham, who has observed Powell’s progress, noted that he first saw the young talent in action during the Carolina versus Elon game at the beginning of the season. From that point, Durham has seen Powell consistently improve his game, rising to the challenge of competing at the highest level. As of mid-January 2025, Powell is averaging seven points a game, including standout performances like his 17-point game against SMU. His contributions on the court have made him one of the top freshman players for the Tar Heels, alongside fellow rookie Ian Jackson.
“It’s clear he’s ascending,” Durham said. Wes feels that the freshmen Carolina has in this group—particularly Powell and Jackson—are making an impact early on, and Powell’s development is right on schedule.
A Nod to the Past: Northwood’s Legacy
For those familiar with Northwood High School and the Chatham County area, Powell’s rise is especially poignant. The small-town hero is only the second player in recent history from Northwood to make it to the ACC, following in the footsteps of Todd Saunders, who played at Wake Forest. Saunders, an alumnus of Northwood and a standout player in the 1990s, remains a prominent figure in the history of the school’s athletics. In fact, Saunders was inducted into the Northwood Sports Hall of Fame several years ago, and his legacy continues to resonate within the community.
The Road Ahead: Powell’s Strengths and Areas for Growth
As Powell continues to make strides in his freshman season, Durham emphasized that there is still work to be done. Like many freshmen entering college basketball, Powell has areas where he can improve, particularly in his defensive skills and physicality.
“Any young player coming into college at this level needs to improve defensively,” Durham explained. HE feels that Powell is no different. His defense is something he’ll need to focus on as he transitions to the next level. It’s an area where he can take his game to the next level.
Physically, Durham noted that Powell has a solid build, but he could benefit from getting even stronger to handle the physicality of college basketball, especially when playing against larger and more seasoned players. “He’s well put together, and he’s got really good size, but he’s probably got to get stronger in terms of the physicality of the college game,” Durham said. “I’d say before he has an opportunity to take the next step he’s really probably got to get stronger.”
Despite these areas for growth, Durham sees Powell as a well-rounded player with great potential. “He’s been as impressive as anybody else,” Durham added.
The Decision: NBA Draft or College Development?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Powell’s future is whether he will make the jump to the NBA or stay in college for another season. As Durham discussed, this is a tough decision for many young athletes, especially in today’s climate of college basketball, where the landscape is rapidly changing due to NIL deals and the financial incentives they provide.
For Powell, the allure of the NBA is certainly strong. Playing at the highest level and securing a guaranteed contract is a dream for many young athletes. However, Durham pointed out the risks of entering the NBA draft too soon, citing examples of players who may have jumped too early and struggled to find their footing.
Durham cited the example of Reed Sheppard, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets but has spent time bouncing between the NBA and G-League.
The Case for Staying Another Year
On the other hand, staying in college for another year could provide Powell with the opportunity to further develop his game. Durham mentioned that there are certainly benefits to staying another year. Durham said. “He could stay here at the college level and be probably one of the top players in the ACC potentially next year; maybe one of the top players in the country.”
Durham also pointed out that the financial landscape in college basketball has shifted with NIL deals, which have made it less of a rush for players to leave college early. This gives Powell the chance to consider his options more carefully and take the time to assess whether he’s ready for the NBA.
I mentioned to Wes that I feel that if Drake Powell comes back for another year, he’ll have the opportunity to be one of the leaders on the team. Chatham County folks have seen him do that at Northwood. That college leadership experience could be invaluable as he looks ahead to a professional career.
The Leadership Role: Powell’s Potential as a Team Leader
Another key aspect of Powell’s development is his leadership potential. Throughout his high school career, Powell was known for his unselfishness on the court, often passing up his own shot to set up a better opportunity for his teammates. I see that same mentality translating to his time at UNC, where Powell is already starting to take on more leadership responsibilities.
“I think his leadership factor will grow as he gets older whether it’s here or whether it’s at the next level,” Durham said. “He is a guy that I think clearly can impact Carolina if he were to come back in 25-26.”
Powell’s Bright Future Ahead
As Drake Powell continues his journey at UNC, it’s clear that his future in basketball is bright. Whether he decides to enter the NBA draft or stay in college for another year, Powell has the potential to have an impact on the sport. His combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership makes him a player to watch in the years to come.
As the Tar Heels continue their season, Carolina basketball fans will be watching Powell develop, eager to see how the young star from Chatham County continues to ascend in the world of college basketball. For now, one thing is certain—Drake Powell’s story is just beginning.
Watch on YouTube – Wes Durham talks about Chatham County’s Drake Powell as a Carolina basketball player – 1.15.25
00:14 Wes Durham highlights his broadcasting preparation influenced by his father’s methods.
- Durham incorporates structural methods learned from his father, emphasizing their importance in his broadcasting style.
- He adapts his father’s techniques to modern technology, transforming handwritten notes into digital formats for efficiency.
01:40 Wes Durham reflects on hometown pride for Carolina players.
- Durham shares personal anecdotes about small-town connections to college athletes.
- He highlights the significance of local mentions in media, fostering community pride.
03:02 Discussion on Drake Powell’s basketball journey and Northwood High School’s history.
- Gene Galin highlights Drake Powell’s upbringing in Pittsboro and his high school success at Northwood.
- Comparison to Todd Saunders as the only other player from Northwood in the ACC, with mention of his Hall of Fame recognition.
04:17 Drake Powell is showing significant improvement as a freshman in Carolina basketball.
- Powell has consistently increased his scoring, achieving standout games like 17 points against SMU.
- His collaboration with experienced players like RJ Davis and Seth Trimble enhances his opportunities and potential impact on the team’s success.
05:27 Drake Powell needs to improve defensively and gain strength for college basketball.
- As a freshman, Powell must enhance his defensive skills, particularly in one-on-one and help scenarios.
- Increasing his physical strength will be crucial for transitioning to the more intense physicality of college and potentially the NBA.
06:44 Wes Durham analyzes the pros and cons of Drake Powell entering the NBA draft.
- Pros include the chance to play in the NBA, the highest level globally.
- Cons involve uncertainty about fit and potential G League experience, affecting career trajectory.
08:06 Drake Powell faces complex decisions in his basketball career due to new financial landscapes.
- The current college basketball environment influences young players’ decisions between immediate opportunities or potential future ones.
- Staying in college could elevate Powell’s status as a top ACC player, NBA aspirations pose their own uncertainties.
09:24 Drake Powell’s potential leadership growth and impact for Carolina basketball.
- Coaches advise Powell to be more aggressive, highlighting his evolving role on the team.
- His unselfish nature and previous high school leadership experience position him for more responsibility.