All Tar Heels

WATCH: UNC Basketball Signee Goes Off in Home Opener

Future UNC basketball forward Drake Powell looks athletic, bright, and unselfish.

Matt Giles

Photo: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Across the first two outings of Drake Powell's senior year at Northwood High School in Pittsboro, N.C., the UNC basketball program's highest-ranked signee on the 247Sports 2024 Composite has provided a preview of what he'll gift the Tar Heels next season.

The 6-foot-6, 195-pound five-star forward, No. 9 overall in the class, is long and powerful. He displays next-level court awareness and consistently aggressive defense.

And while he's a ferocious slasher and bucket-getter, his penchant for finding open teammates on the perimeter in a halfcourt setting and delivering long dimes for easy buckets in transition stands out at his position.

On Friday night, Powell did all of the above and more, leading Northwood to a 74-35 home-opener win over Southeast Alamance. His impressive efforts earned the following individual highlight package courtesy of Elite Mixtapes' Bryce Lanning:

Earlier in the week, Powell posted 29 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, five steals, and one block in an 81-30 victory at North Moore.

In other words, there's not much Drake Powell cannot or will not do to benefit his team. Chances are his extreme versatility and infectious energy will translate into an immediate role on the 2024-25 UNC basketball squad.

Powell is set to arrive in Chapel Hill next year alongside at least two other Tar Heel recruiting prizes: Our Saviour Lutheran School (N.Y.) five-star guard Ian Jackson (No. 10 composite ranking) and Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown (No. 68).

Expert Sees Two 'Instant Impact' UNC Recruiting Prizes

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

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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.

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