NBA Draft projections for UNC players ft. Drake Powell

North Carolina had a tough season in 2024-25, going 23-14 and losing in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That ugly season rolls over into the preparations for the NBA draft.

Here's a rundown on Carolina's NBA draft situation.

NBA draft projections of UNC players

North Carolina guard Drake Powell is facing a tough stay-or-go NBA Draft decision. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Drake Powell

Powell might have seemed an unlikely player to jump to the NBA, but a positive combine experience has put him in a good position. Powell averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a freshman at UNC.

The 6-foot-6 guard has impressed NBA executives with his athleticism and scoring ability. Some projections are even placing Powell toward the middle of the first round of the draft. Most projections place him at the very end of the first round or at the top of the second round.

RJ Davis

A five-year star at Carolina, RJ Davis scored 2,725 points, including 359 3-pointers. Davis averaged 17.2 points per game as a senior, down from 21.2 ppg in his junior season. Davis turned down the draft a year ago to return for a final season, which didn't necessarily help his situation.

At just 6 feet, Davis lacks length and perhaps next-level athleticism. He was denied an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, which featured the 75 top prospects, in Chicago. Meanwhile, Davis joined the G League Combine, which included another 45 prospects.

That situation suggests that Davis is unlikely to jump into the draft, but given his history of scoring, a second-round pick isn't outside the realm of possibility. It's still an inglorious end to a wonderful college career.

Jae'Lyn Withers

A transfer from Louisville, the 6-foot-8 Withers is even farther removed from the NBA radar. Withers averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his senior season at Carolina. He's almost certain to go undrafted, and if he has NBA ambitions, the G League would be the likely path to fulfill them.

What do you think of North Carolina's NBA Draft situation? Share your take on the UNC program and Hubert Davis below in our comments section!

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