There are just 59 picks in the NBA Draft. A lot of programs are lucky if even one of their former players gets to hear their names called as one of those 59 picks. The North Carolina Tar Heels wouldn't consider themselves lucky when it comes to the draft; they'd probably call themselves dominant.
This year, just three Tar Heels are expected to be selected during the two rounds. In ESPN's most recent mock draft, former UNC guard Drake Powell earned an extremely favorable draft position.
Powell, who already shocked the world when he committed to the Tar Heels over the Duke Blue Devils, who were his hometown team, was projected to be taken late in the first round by none other than the Boston Celtics, the defensive NBA Champions.
Not only are the Celtics the most recent champions (for a few more days at least), but they are also the winningest NBA franchise with 18 titles, one more than the Los Angeles Lakers.
Drake Powell NBA Draft resume
- 6-foot-6, 7-foot-0 wingspan, 8-foot-7 standing reach
- 7.4 points per game
- 3.4 rebounds per game
- 1.1 assists per game
- 0.7 blocks per game
- 0.7 steals per game
As a freshman for the winningest college basketball team in the country, Powell quickly became a starter and averaged nearly 26 minutes per appearance. Despite scoring just 7.4 points per game, Powell was a difficult presence for opponents to handle, creating second-chance opportunities from rebounds and consistently dishing out an assist or two per game.
Powell's 6-foot-6 stature and 8-foot-7 reach make him a burdensome player to defend as he can elevate over opponents and has an impressively high release point while shooting.
The 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 25. The second round will tip off at the same time the following night. Fans can tune into ABC and ESPN to watch the entire draft unfold.