The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a special resolution Monday evening honoring Pittsboro native Drake Powell on his first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Powell was selected with the No. 22 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June.

Powell starred at Pittsboro’s Northwood High School for four years and was rated as one of the top high school players in the recruiting class of 2024. He made the short journey to Chapel Hill after committing to play for UNC, following in both of his parents’ footsteps. Though the 2024-25 season as a whole for the Tar Heels was up and down, Powell provided a boost with his defensive capabilities and outstanding athleticism. The six-foot-six wing also showed flashes of his offensive game as the season progressed, finishing as the team’s second-best three-point shooter. His 37.9 three-point percentage ranked second on the team.

“Drake’s journey… has been marked by excellence, discipline and an unwavering commitment to growth,” the resolution read in part.

In the audience for Monday’s session were Powell’s father and several of his coaches from Northwood.

“He’s just stayed humble and very much committed to not just being a good player but being a good young man,” Chatham County commissioner Karen Howard told 97.9 The Hill earlier this week. “It was quite an honor to be able to recognize him and wish him well in his future endeavors… this is what Chatham County and Chatham County Schools is capable of doing.”

To see the full video of Howard reading the resolution honoring Powell Monday evening, click here.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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