Drake Powell’s Eye-Opening Comments Add Fuel to Concerns About Hubert Davis’ Player Development at UNC

CHAPEL HILL, NC — Another top UNC talent is heading to the NBA Draft — but not without raising some uncomfortable questions about the Tar Heels’ player development under head coach Hubert Davis.

Drake Powell, the former five-star freshman forward, officially declared on Wednesday at the NBA Draft Combine that he will stay in the 2024 draft class. While most expected him to keep his name in, many UNC fans were holding out hope that Powell would return to Chapel Hill for another season of growth and refinement.

But it’s what Powell said next that’s turned heads — and not in a good way for Carolina’s coaching staff.

“I feel like I’m the same two-way player that came into college. Obviously, I don’t think I got to showcase that at UNC, but the potential is still there.”

To be clear, Powell wasn’t directly criticizing UNC or throwing shade. But the implication? Hard to ignore. In his own words, Powell feels he didn’t get the chance to fully display his skillset under Davis’ system — a system now under increased scrutiny.

UNC’s inability to develop elite talent is quickly becoming an undeniable trend. Powell now joins a growing list of five-star players — including Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson — whose paths have strayed far from the NBA-ready promise they entered with.

Cadeau, a former reclassified phenom, is transferring to Michigan after a rollercoaster freshman year. Jackson, once billed as a surefire one-and-done, saw his draft stock nosedive and is also leaving the program. Now Powell, too, hints that his true value never saw the light of day at Carolina.

Meanwhile, look across the conference: Duke, Kentucky, and other blue bloods continue to polish raw talent into first-round picks. At UNC? That shine seems to be fading fast.

Hubert Davis has to adapt — and soon. The modern game demands results, especially with high-end talent expecting a clear runway to the NBA. If prospects keep walking away feeling underutilized, recruiting top-tier players is going to become increasingly difficult.

Something has to give in Chapel Hill. And if not, the winds of change might be blowing closer than some think.

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

Big-Time Pickup for the Tar Heels! Join Us in Welcoming Jaydon Young to Chapel Hill!

The North Carolina Tar Heels just added another major piece to their basketball future—say hello to Jaydon Young, the newest Tar Heel ready to make waves in Chapel Hill!

A 6-foot-4 guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, Young brings a dynamic mix of toughness, scoring ability, and defensive grit that perfectly fits the Carolina blueprint. Known for his relentless energy on both ends of the floor, he’s been a standout throughout his high school career, showcasing a high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and a game that continues to evolve.

Young had offers from several high-major programs, but ultimately, it was UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and family atmosphere that sealed the deal. His commitment represents more than just another talented guard—it’s a sign that Hubert Davis is continuing to lock down elite in-state talent while building a team hungry for banners.

Tar Heel fans should be excited. Young is the kind of player who embraces the spotlight and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Whether he’s knocking down shots from deep, diving for loose balls, or clamping down on an opponent’s top scorer, his impact will be felt from day one.

UNC’s backcourt future just got brighter—and bolder.

Welcome to the Carolina family, Jaydon. Chapel Hill is ready for you!

A former basketball target for UNC decommits after being selected unexpectedly.

Back in the fall, UNC basketball was in the mix for longtime Tar Heel fan Niko Bundalo

The 6-foot-10 senior forward from Prolific Prep (Calif.) had listed UNC among his top nine schools and later included them in his final four, alongside UConn, Michigan State, and Ohio State. However, in a surprising move last November, Bundalo committed to Washington — a program that hadn’t made his previous shortlist.

Now, the recruitment race is back on. Multiple reports on Tuesday confirmed that Bundalo has been released from his signed commitment to Washington and is once again available.

Ranked No. 31 nationally in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite, Bundalo is now the second-highest ranked uncommitted prospect in the cycle.

It remains uncertain whether UNC head coach Hubert Davis will pursue him again, though Bundalo’s deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heels — inspired by his mother’s admiration for Michael Jordan — could make Chapel Hill a natural fit. The Tar Heels still have roster spots open for next season.

UNC Basketball Makes the Cut for the Elite Forward List

The UNC basketball program remains in the hunt for five-star recruit Anthony Thompson, who announced his top 15 schools over the weekend.

In early January, Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) standout small forward Anthony Thompson received an offer from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. Nearly four months later, UNC has secured a spot on his shortlist.

On Friday, Thompson revealed his top choices on social media, naming UNC along with BYU, Texas, Xavier, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Indiana, Auburn, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

The 6-foot-8, 185-pound left-hander narrowed his options after drawing over 30 scholarship offers early in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

According to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, Thompson currently sits at No. 11 overall, No. 3 among small forwards, and is the No. 1 prospect in Ohio.

“Whenever Anthony Thompson is in the gym, it’s tough to find a jump shot that looks better,” 247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently observed, also noting Thompson’s impressive “nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan.”

The Tar Heels have issued numerous offers to 2026 prospects and remain firmly in the mix for many of their top recruiting targets.

A second UNC basketball starter arrives at the portal before the deadline.

UNC basketball has now seen several players opt to explore the transfer portal

On Monday morning, just under two days before the portal deadline, Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.