Ready or Not: Can Drake Powell & Ian Jackson Break Through for Big Minutes at North Carolina?

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin dive deep into the North Carolina Tar Heels’ roster, focusing on the highly anticipated freshmen, Drake Powell and Ian Jackson. Despite the buzz around them as NBA prospects, Barlowe and Thulin discuss how both Powell and Jackson may face limited roles this season, with a real possibility of coming off the bench. The hosts analyze whether North Carolina is the best environment for them to showcase their potential as one-and-done candidates, questioning if the program will allow them to maximize their skill sets for the NBA.

The discussion then shifts to sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau, who’s working to improve his draft stock after struggling with his shooting last season, where he hit just 18% from beyond the arc. Leif shares concerns about Cadeau’s NBA future, citing his lack of size and shooting as major obstacles to his pro potential.

In the final segment, they evaluate senior R.J. Davis, who boasts a decorated college career as the ACC Player of the Year but faces his own NBA challenges due to his size. To wrap up, the hosts debate UNC’s chances of competing with Duke and how many first-round prospects might realistically emerge from this Tar Heels roster. A can’t-miss episode for anyone following UNC’s NBA-bound talent!

Freshman NBA prospects - 2:38

Drake Powell - 2:49

Seth Trimble - 4:40

Drake Powell - 5:28

Ian Jackson - 13:18

Elliot Cadeau - 20:06

RJ Davis - 27:38

How many first round picks on UNC’s roster? 33:44