UNC Basketball commit earns a 2024 Class Superlative from 247Sports
"The Clamps."
That's the title that future UNC basketball player Drake Powell earned from Travis Branham in 247Sports' annual class superlatives.
"The Clamps" is very high praise, as it's a superlative that focuses primarily on a player's defensive skills. Here's what Branham had to add regarding rewarding this title to Powell, the No. 11 ranked player in the Class of 2024:
"The Clamps" superlative goes out to the top defender in the class. If you're looking for a stopper in the 2024 class, look no further than Drake Powell.
The 6-foot-5 wing is a premier athlete with elite lateral quickness, long arms, a high motor and the conditioning of a guy that never gets tired.
He takes no possessions off on defense, will pick up full court and will make his opponent work hard for every bucket they get. Powell is disruptive and impactful with his blend of size, length, athleticism and IQ. As he gets stronger, he should only continue to improve on the defensive end of the floor."
Based on what we've heard (and seen in game footage) of Powell, it's safe to say that fans of the UNC basketball program are going to love this guy.
A high energy guy, Powell has the same type of skillset that Leaky Black featured during his time with the UNC basketball program. Black became a lockdown defender who essentially took the other team's top scoring threat out of the game, as his defensive ability has helped lead him to the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets organization.
If Powell plays defense at the type of level he's capable of, it's going to be very difficult to take him off the court.
The Tar Heels could definitely use some versatility on the defensive side of the ball, as Powell, along with returner Seth Trimble, both have the ability to be lockdown defenders. Sure, everyone wants to score the basketball, but it's the guys who give effort on both ends of the floor that make the biggest difference in games.
Tar Heel fans should be very excited to see what Drake Powell can do once he arrives on campus this summer.