The North Carolina Tar Heels faced significant struggles during the regular season last year—so much so that there was speculation Hubert Davis might be fired. Instead, the Tar Heels chose to extend his contract. At one point, things were so dire for North Carolina that their primary goal was simply to do whatever they could to make the NCAA Tournament.
“Winning twice in the ACC Tournament could get UNC into the 68-team field and take some of the heat off Davis amid another forgettable season. But the administration and fan base expect much more, of course, and it’s hard not to compare Davis’s struggles to get things off the ground with the way Duke’s Jon Scheyer — hired one season after Davis — has the Blue Devils surging toward a No. 1 seed in this year’s bracket,” Paul Myerberg wrote.
The offseason hasn’t been much kinder. Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson both decided to enter the transfer portal. Davis also lost Drake Powell to the NBA Draft process, and on Wednesday, Powell confirmed he would remain in the draft.
“All-in on the draft. Door’s closed,” Powell said. “Hubert Davis has been very supportive during this process. I’ve known him for a long time … and he’s just happy for me.”
As a freshman, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. While the decision became official today, Powell’s physical measurements were so impressive that it was almost a foregone conclusion he would stay in the draft.
“Powell measured at 6-foot-5 and 1/4 with a crazy 7-foot wingspan. He measured in at 8-foot-7 on his standing reach while weighing in at 200.4 pounds. In case you’re unfamiliar with what NBA scouts look for in terms of measurements, Powell essentially checks off all the boxes,” Nick Delahanty wrote.
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Powell is projected to be selected in the late first or early second round. He was arguably the most athletic player on the Tar Heels’ roster last season, and now he’ll have the opportunity to take his talents to the NBA.
