After not receiving initial invitations to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, a pair of former North Carolina standouts will still have a chance to earn their spot.

RJ Davis and Caleb Love were not among the invitees to the official draft combine, but both have been selected to participate in the G League Elite Camp, set for May 9–11 in Chicago.

The G League Elite Camp serves as a two-day evaluation event where draft-eligible players compete in five-on-five games and take part in strength and agility drills in front of NBA and G League personnel. Top performers from the camp will be selected to join the NBA Draft Combine later that week.

Though they likely hoped to be included in the initial draft combine group, Davis and Love will now have the opportunity to make their case for inclusion based on their Elite Camp showings.

Davis and Love were backcourt partners at UNC for three seasons, leading the Tar Heels to the 2022 NCAA title game. Davis remained in Chapel Hill through his fifth season, capping off a remarkable college career with ACC Player of the Year and Consensus First-Team All-American honors. Love transferred to Arizona after his junior year and wrapped up his collegiate career with a standout final season, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year and All-American recognition.

While some UNC fans continue to dwell on Love’s transfer, both players left a lasting legacy in Chapel Hill and deserve support as they work to take the next step in their basketball journeys.

The UNC basketball team wins an in-conference transfer.

UNC Basketball Adds Experienced Guard from Virginia Tech

The UNC basketball staff has secured a commitment from a guard who made a notable leap in his sophomore season at Virginia Tech.

As of Friday, Jaydon Young is officially a Tar Heel. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Goldsboro, N.C., native brings valuable ACC experience with him to Chapel Hill.

Coming out of Greensboro Day School in 2023 as a three-star recruit, Young saw limited action as a freshman, averaging just 1.8 points in 8.5 minutes over 26 games off the Hokies’ bench. However, he broke through during his second year, becoming a key contributor. Young played in all 32 games last season, earning 10 starts, and averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game — although he struggled with efficiency, shooting 34.7 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range. Virginia Tech finished the season with a 13-19 record.

In the current transfer portal rankings from 247Sports, the 20-year-old Young sits at No. 354 overall and No. 84 among shooting guards.

With Young’s commitment, UNC’s transfer class for 2025 — now five players deep — is ranked No. 16 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC, trailing only Louisville’s group.

New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft

New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft

Another Tar Heel is chasing his dreams.

Following a solid freshman season in Chapel Hill, Drake Powell officially announced on Wednesday that he will forego his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound forward from Pittsboro, N.C., leaves the UNC basketball program after averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, starting in more than half of the Tar Heels’ 37 contests during the 2025-26 campaign.

In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Powell thanked the North Carolina fanbase, his teammates, and the coaching staff for an unforgettable year wearing the Carolina Blue.

“Thank you for embracing and supporting me through the highs and lows of the past season,” Powell wrote. “I have learned so much both on and off the court. I was born and bred a Tar Heel, and to have the opportunity to put on that uniform, run through that tunnel, and compete for the university that I love is a feeling that is unmatched, and I’ll never take that for granted.”

Powell also reflected on the special bond he formed with his teammates, calling them “brothers” and vowing to cherish the memories they created during his time in Chapel Hill.

“To my teammates and brothers, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories we’ve made together during our journey. I’ll hold onto these moments forever.”

Ultimately, Powell made it clear that his decision to turn pro was driven by his lifelong dream to compete at the highest level:

“Competing at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal. This decision was nowhere near easy, but with the support and guidance of my family and coaches, I will be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft.”

A Bright Future Ahead

According to the latest mock draft from NBA Draft On SI, Powell is currently projected as a second-round pick, slotted to be selected No. 46 overall by the Orlando Magic. If that projection holds, he could join former Tar Heel standout Cole Anthony, creating a new UNC connection in the NBA.

Known for his defensive instincts, smooth mid-range game, and non-stop motor, Powell showcased flashes of star potential during his lone year with the Tar Heels. Scouts have praised his versatility and work ethic — two traits that could help him carve out a successful career at the next level.

UNC’s Growing NBA Pipeline

With Powell’s decision, UNC continues its strong tradition of developing NBA talent under head coach Hubert Davis. While Tar Heel fans will undoubtedly miss Powell’s presence both on and off the court, many will be rooting for him to thrive as he takes the next big step in his basketball journey.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, all eyes will be on Powell as he looks to make his childhood dream a reality — one that began on the hardwoods of North Carolina and will now continue on basketball’s biggest stage.

Best of luck, Drake. Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel.