Drake Powell snaps the UNC basketball program's first round NBA Draft pick drought

Day'Ron Sharpe was the last UNC basketball player to hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Sharpe, who was the No. 29 overall pick in the 2021 draft, now plays for the Brooklyn Nets.

Now, Sharpe and Drake Powell have something in common, as they are projected to be teammates in Brooklyn.

Powell was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although the Hawks made the selection, the pick is involved in a projected trade with the Nets, one that will be finalized at a later date.

To put it in simple terms: Powell is set to become a member of the Nets organization.

Powell was the third player taken by the Nets in the first round of this given draft, as Brooklyn came in with a staggering five picks. The franchise seems to love its Tar Heels, having Sharpe and Cam Johnson currently on its roster.

For Powell, the main goal is to be in a place where he can continue to develop his game. Already known as a stellar defender, Powell's offensive skillset needs some work, but with the right franchise, he certainly has the potential to thrive in the league.

Brooklyn could be an enticing situation, given that playing time in the NBA could be available for Powell early on. The Nets are in a rebuilding process and would love for Powell to be a major part of its future plans, as Powell became a high-rising prospect with a tremendous amount of upside.

Now, fans of the UNC basketball program hope Powell thrives, especially considering the recent narrative that the program has struggled mightily to send guys to the NBA. At least for now, the first round pick drought has come to an end, as Drake Powell is heading to Brooklyn to begin his professional career.