CHARLOTTE, N.C. β North Carolina’s Drake Powell was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.Β
Powell, a freshman wing with a 7-foot wingspan, was a standout at the NBA combine, posting the best vertical leap (37.5 inches) and max vertical leap (43.0 inches). He’ll bring perimeter size, athleticism and defensive potential to a Brooklyn team that’s in a bit of flux with recent draft trades.Β
Brooklyn entered the draft with five first-round picks. They selected at least four players in the draft Wednesday, including Powell. It remains to be seen if any of these prospects are flipped to another team as the Nets consider their options to build in a weakened Eastern Conference.Β
Powell’s selection snapped a three-year drought for the Tar Heels. He’s the first North Carolina player to be taken in the first round since Day’Ron Sharpe in 2021.Β
UNC’s rival Duke was the star program of the night, as the Blue Devils had three players taken in the top 10. That includes No. 1 overall Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, who was picked by the Hornets fourth overall.Β
