Hubert Davis understands the need for more size to compete with the top teams in the country, and he addressed that by adding a 6’6” guard to his roster. As a freshman at West Virginia, he started 23 games and played in all 32 for the Mountaineers. He averaged 8.3 points on 38% shooting—while not the most efficient percentage, he did connect on 35% of his three-point attempts. Additionally, he contributed 3.1 rebounds and just under one assist per game. His top scoring performances of the season came with 17-point outings against NC-Central and Oklahoma State. With West Virginia’s head coach Darian DeVries leaving for Indiana, Powell also chose to explore a new opportunity.
Jonathan Powell has the versatility to play either shooting guard or small forward for UNC. With Davis still awaiting NBA draft decisions from Drake Powell and Ian Jackson (as well as potential transfer portal departures), he wasn’t willing to sit back and wait. Bringing in a rising sophomore with Powell’s size and upside is a strong move.
On the topic of adding size, Arizona’s seven-foot, 235-pound big man Henri Veesaar is expected to visit UNC. He could be a significant addition—both literally and figuratively—to the Tar Heels’ frontcourt. Veesaar posted averages of 9.4 points and five rebounds per game for the Wildcats this past season.
Welcome to Chapel Hill, Jonathan Powell!