Pittsboro, NC – On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Northwood High School in Pittsboro, retired the #32 jersey of Drake Powell, a former standout student-athlete currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. The ceremony, held during the NBA All-Star break, served as a tribute to Powell’s contributions to the school’s basketball program between 2020 and 2023. The event was characterized by a high-profile attendance, including University of North Carolina (UNC) head coach Hubert Davis and representatives from the Brooklyn Nets organization. The proceedings emphasized not only Powell’s professional success but his reputation for humility, work ethic, and his deep ties to the Pittsboro community.
Ceremony Details and Significance
The retirement ceremony took place in a packed gymnasium at Northwood High School. The event honored Powell’s legacy as a player who “raised the standard” for the program.
• Location: Northwood High School, Pittsboro, NC (Chatham County).
• Honored Subject: Drake Powell, wore jersey #32 at Northwood
• Key Attendees:
◦ UNC Leadership: Head coach Hubert Davis, along with staff members Sean May, Brad Frederick, and Eric Hoots.
◦ Professional Representation: Personnel from the Brooklyn Nets organization.
◦ Family: Parents Dedric and Cherice Powell.
◦ Coaching Staff: Northwood High School head coach Matt Brown.
• Atmosphere: Powell noted the significant turnout, stating that the size of the crowd “speaks volumes to how much love there is” in the community. Attendees were seen wearing both UNC #9 jerseys and Brooklyn Nets #4 jerseys, signifying his impact across different levels of the sport.
Career Progression and Achievements
Powell’s trajectory from high school to the NBA is marked by a history of excellence in the North Carolina basketball circuit.
High School (2020–2023)
Powell starred at Northwood for four years. A highlight of his tenure was his junior year, during which the team finished as the state runner-up. Powell identified this season as his favorite, citing the quality of the team and the enjoyment of the competition. Coach Matt Brown praised Powell for entering the program with “humility, work ethic, and a hunger to get better every single day.”
Collegiate and Professional Transition
Attending UNC was a lifelong ambition for Powell, as both his parents are alumni. Following his time as a Tar Heel, Powell entered the NBA:
• NBA Draft: Selected 22nd overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
• Current Team: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
• Current Performance (2025-26 Season): Powell is averaging 6.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. A recent performance highlight includes scoring 14 points in a victory over the Chicago Bulls.
• Professional Development: Powell attributes his growth to rigorous film study, noting, “Each game I see something different.”
The Powell Family Athletic Legacy
The ceremony highlighted a multi-generational history of athletic achievement within the Powell family.
| Family Member | Athletic Background |
|---|---|
| Dedric Powell (Father) | Former UNC baseball player. |
| Cherice Powell (Mother) | Former all-state basketball player in Charlotte, NC. |
| Deuce Powell (Brother) | Multi-sport star at Northwood; played basketball at Louisburg. |
| Cera Powell (Sister) | Played collegiate volleyball at UCONN and Virginia Tech. |
Cherice Powell recalled Drake’s early dedication, noting that as a five-year-old before his first recreation league game, he was so excited he slept in his uniform.
Key Insights and Perspectives
The retirement was framed as more than an athletic milestone; it was presented as a celebration of character and community.
• On Character: Coach Matt Brown emphasized that Powell’s impact was measured “not just in points or wins, but in how you treat people.”
• On Community: Drake Powell credited the residents of Pittsboro for his success, stating, “Ya’ll make Pittsboro what it is. My journey wasn’t easy, but to play in front of you guys that meant a lot to me.”
• On the UNC “Family”: Powell expressed surprise and gratitude for the presence of the UNC coaching staff, noting that their attendance reflected the “historic” and “family” nature of the UNC basketball program.
• On the Surreal Nature of the Event: Dedric Powell remarked on the speed of his son’s progression, noting it felt like Drake “was just here the other day,” and is now being honored as a professional athlete.