Drake Powell, an NC native, emerged as a key starter for North Carolina in the later half of the year thanks to his defensive intensity.

The Brooklyn Nets have selected Drake Powell with the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Powell entered this past collegiate season as a highly touted recruit and 2024 McDonald’s All-American, ultimately starting 24 of 37 games in his lone season at North Carolina.

Wednesday night marked the second consecutive year UNC had a player drafted, with Harrison Ingram taken 48th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. In addition, Powell is the first former Tar Heel chosen in the first round since 2022, when Walker Kessler (finished his career with Auburn) also went 22nd overall, but to the Utah Jazz.