One of the programs hit hardest by the transfer portal this year is the North Carolina Tar Heels. The six-time national champions have been rocked by departures. They’ve lost 7 of their 8 top scorers. That means a rebuild from the ground up for Coach Hubert Davis, who will be aiming to make it past the first-round exit they faced this past season. Their mere entry into the NCAA tourney was a major talking point, given how their season played out. But things got even tougher this week.

Freshman guard Drake Powell announced he’s entering the NBA draft. That’s another big blow for the Heels. The former 5-star recruit, who made waves at Pittsboro’s Northwood High, played a pivotal role in helping his team make a late push to secure a spot in the March Madness last season. He started 24 games as a freshman, averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds, and looked poised to take a crucial role next season. But for the young talents, “competing at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal.” 

However, Adam Finkelstein of CBS thinks Powell might still return for another year of college basketball, which could be a glimmer of hope for UNC. But regardless of his decision, this adds more challenges for the Tar Heels. Why, you may ask? In CBS Sports College Basketball, Finkelstein went into detail about Powell’s decision to enter the draft.

“I’ve heard plenty of guys say they’re focused on it, then end up coming back to play. And that was before the money in college was arguably better than the NBA,” he started. At UNC, it is even better. Because, as per reports, the program is among the top basketball teams spending $10 million on NIL contracts for the off-season. Last year, RJ Davis enjoyed a whopping $2 million. Having lost him, Elliot Cadeau, Ian Jackson, and a few more key names to the portal this season, there’s space for others to swoop in for that sum.

Going by the analyst’s words, that is way more than what a late-round pick or one with a two-way contract in the NBA can make. In the 2024/25 season, the latter pays a player $578,577. Given that Powell is a projected late first-round pick or early second-round pick, there’s a chance he might return to college. ESPN’s mock draft had him at 31 while a few others placed him in the 40s. Now, even if he did return, where would he be headed?

Well, the men’s college basketball transfer portal officially closed on Tuesday, meaning players can no longer enter their names, though those still uncommitted remain available for recruitment. What caught attention was Powell’s decision not to enter the portal, unlike Boogie Fland, who could negotiate with teams if the NBA combine didn’t yield a favorable draft position. This opens the door for a potential return to UNC. But time is running out for UNC to secure a replacement for Powell.

“It’s interesting, because that money from North Carolina is still on the table, but it won’t be forever—they need to find a wing. So now, it’s just a timing game,” Finkelstein adds. And so it is.

With all the resources at hand, and being estimated as the most valuable program in the nation with $378 million, pressure is on Hubert Davis to deliver a well-rounded team. Powell’s uncertainty isn’t going to make it easier for him, because the head coach needs to act fast. And he is already on the recruiting trail, trying to fill the gaps left behind.

Hubert Davis and co make big transfer portal moves

The Tar Heels faced major departures this season, losing 6 players to the portal– Jae’Lyn Withers, Ven-Allen Lubin, Cade Tyson, Ian Jackson, Jalen Washington, and Elliot Cadeau. A tough blow for Hubert Davis. However, the HC has been quietly working behind the scenes. Five new players are coming in, along with Caleb Wilson, the number 7 recruit of the 2025 class.

Transfers Kyan Evans from Colorado State and Jonathan Powell from West Virginia have been brought in to replace Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson. Davis wasn’t done yet. He landed one of the best bigs in the portal, Henri Veesaar. Then, Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson also joined the program. While not the ideal wing if Powell leaves, it’s still a solid addition. Big changes are unfolding in Chapel Hill.

The status of Drake Powell is the final puzzle piece for Hubert Davis. What the freshman decides could shape the team’s future. But no matter what, Davis knows the work isn’t over. A program like UNC shouldn’t be bowing out in the first round of the tournament. Davis is aware of the stakes. He’ll need to craft a roster that lives up to those high expectations. The pressure is on, and he’s not backing down.