UNC Basketball recruit Drake Powell shines in front of big-time crowd
The UNC basketball program was one of six schools in attendance to see a showdown of top recruits on Thursday evening. Five-star North Carolina commit Drake Powell and Northwood took on four-star recruit Cole Cloer and Orange in a star-studded showdown as part of the John Wall Holiday Showdown in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Drake Powell (UNC) vs Cole Cloer
— Derek Murray (@Derek__Murray) December 28, 2023
North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgetown, NC State (4), College of Charleston, Chattanooga, Citadel in attendance. @JohnWallHoliday pic.twitter.com/froDiHUfUX
Drake Powell received an offer from the UNC basketball program on August 21, 2022. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound small forward committed to the Tar Heels on September 8, 2022, and signed his letter of intent on November 9 of this year.
Powell scored 17 points in a win over Cole Cloer and the Orange in the John Wall Holiday Invitational. Powell is averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on the young season as his Northwood Chargers are 7-1 so far this year.
2024 Northwood (NC) G/F Drake Powell (@powellxdrake) scores 17 PTS in a win over Orange @JohnWallHoliday @NorthwoodB_Ball @UNC_Basketball https://t.co/rMa3YTuMq7
— The HS Circuit 🏀 (@HSCircuit) December 28, 2023
The UNC basketball commit opened his senior season with a 29-point performance in a 51-point win on December 5 and has scored 20 points two more times while scoring in double-digits in every game so far for the Chargers. He's been very efficient for Northwood this season, shooting 57% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line. The UNC basketball program is excited to welcome Powell's size and length to Chapel Hill for the 2024-25 season.
Cole Cloer has also received interest from multiple division-one schools despite being only a sophomore. The four-star sophomore has received offers from Appalachian State, High Point, NC State, Tennessee, VCU, and Wake Forest. Cloer is averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds per game in 2023 in his second year at the varsity level. The 6-foot-6, 180-pound forward plays like a veteran despite being so young and should receive more top offers in the near future.
Powell and Cloer faced off for the first time in what could be many as Powell is committed to UNC and Cloer has received offers from ACC schools. Fans should expect to see both of these young men shine at the collegiate level and potentially the NBA in the future.
Next. UNC Basketball closes out 2023 with non-conference game vs Charleston Southern. UNC Basketball closes out 2023 with non-conference game vs Charleston Southern. dark
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