All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Signee Punishes Players in Amazing Defensive Sequence

Future UNC basketball forward Drake Powell is a workhorse on both ends of the floor.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The UNC basketball program is getting a staunch defender in Northwood (N.C.) senior Drake Powell. Throughout Friday night's 75-51 victory over Chatham Central to seal a conference championship with a 16-0 record (24-3 overall), the 6-foot-6, 195-pound explosive wing put his nonstop energy on full display.

That was especially the case during a mere 12-second sequence in which he tallied two blocks, one steal, and a score.

Powell, who ranks No. 10 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and is one of two Tar Heel signees on tap to play in the McDonald's All-American Game on April 2 in Houston, chased down a hapless Chatham Central player in transition for the first uber-athletic swat from behind.

He recovered quickly to leap straight up, exhibiting a perfect defensive technique for a two-handed denial of another layup attempt. Then, Powell, committed to the Tar Heels since September 2022, snuck around the back of a third player to swipe the ball before zipping past that same player and another defender to lay it in at the other end.

In the following post, Elite Mixtapes' Bryce Lanning referred to Powell's impressive show as the "craziest defensive sequence" he's ever filmed:

UNC basketball's other McDonald's All-American in the class is Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star guard Ian Jackson. The third member of the Tar Heels' bunch, which ranks No. 7 in the country, is Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown.

UNC Recruiting: Armando Bacot's Brother Now Generating Buzz

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball