Drake Powell’s decision to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft says a lot, but not just about Powell. It’s another blow to Hubert Davis and his inability to develop elite talent at North Carolina. Powell’s comments at the NBA Combine made it clear — he didn’t get the chance to show who he really is at UNC.
That’s not a glowing endorsement of the guy running the program and other top recruits seem to have taken notice.
Drake Powell Heading to NBA Draft, Leaving UNC
Sounds like @UNC_Basketball product Drake Powell is staying in the draft. Said he thinks he’s ready to make the jump to the NBA. pic.twitter.com/E5quEJV144
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 14, 2025
Powell didn’t beat around the bush at the NBA Draft Combine:
“I feel like I’m the same two-way player that was coming into college. Obviously I don’t think I got to showcase that at UNC, but the potential is still there. I’m ready to learn as much as I can and continue to grow.”
That’s a direct hit on the development system in Chapel Hill. If a projected second-rounder with NBA tools doesn’t feel like he was used properly, that’s a problem. If he feels like he has to leave to grow, that’s a bigger problem.
UNC’s Talent Drain Continues
Drake Powell is the latest in a growing list of top players to walk away from UNC under Davis. Five-stars Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson are already gone, which already raised questions about Hubert Davis and his ability to develop players. At this point, it’s more than bad luck—it’s a trend. High-profile transfer portal losses have become the norm in Chapel Hill and Davis has not shown the ability to lure top talent from other programs, losing out on the likes of Andrej Stojakovic, Boogie Fland, and other notable names linked to North Carolina.
For a coach who keeps landing blue-chip talent, Hubert isn’t developing much of it into NBA-ready players—or even keeping it around long enough to try.
How Long Can Hubert Davis Survive?
UNC fans seem to give Davis the benefit of the doubt because of one Final Four run and a clean-cut image. But at what point do the results matter?
Since 2022, it’s been underachievement, locker room turnover, and now public quotes from players saying they weren’t developed. That’s the kind of stuff that would get other coaches torched, especially at a school like North Carolina. Davis has a modest buyout, and UNC could look to act on that if player development and results don’t turn sharpish.
For now, it appears that Davis’ job is safe but he could end up on the hot seat sooner rather than later. especially if he is unable to turn the tables in the ACC next year. Duke has made a living by attracting top talent under head coach Jon Scheyer and NC State has already made a splash under Will Wade, as top transfer flock to the Wolfpack over one of college basketball’s blue bloods.
Powell’s Draft Projection Highlights UNC’s Developmental Problem
Drake Powell isn’t expected to be a lottery pick following his freshman season. But that’s what makes his decision louder. He would’ve likely been a starter next season at one of the top programs in the country. His athletic testing at the Combine (43-inch vertical, 7-foot wingspan) got scouts talking, but he still projects late-first or early-second round pick despite his lack of production.
He still didn’t want to come back. Why? Because UNC wasn’t helping him get better. That’s the quote. That’s the issue.
If Hubert Davis can’t keep and develop talent, UNC is going nowhere—no matter how many five-stars commit.
