“Krampus”
That's the title future UNC basketball player Drake Powell won from Travis Branum in 247Sports' Class of the Year.
'The Clamps' is highly acclaimed as it is a superlative game that primarily focuses on the defensive skills of the players. Regarding awarding the title to Powell, who is ranked No. 11 in the 2024 class, Branham added:
The “Krampus” superlative shines as the top defender in its class. If you're looking for a stopper in the 2024 class, look no further than Drake Powell.
The 6-foot-5 wing is a consummate athlete with excellent lateral quickness, long arms, high athleticism, and conditioning that never tires.
He doesn't miss any possessions on defense, plays full court and makes his opponents work hard for every bucket they get. Powell is disruptive and impactful due to his blend of size, length, athleticism, and IQ. As he gets stronger, he just needs to continue to improve on the defensive side of the floor. ”
Based on what we've heard about Powell (and seen on game film), it's safe to say that fans of the UNC basketball program are going to love this player.
Energetic, Powell has the same type of skill set that Leaky Black displayed during his time with the UNC basketball program. Black's defensive ability helped him break into the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets, essentially turning him into a lockdown defender who takes the opposing team's leading scoring threat out of the game.
If Powell plays defense at the level he can, it will be very difficult to take him off the court.
The Tar Heels could definitely use some versatility on the defensive side of the ball, as Powell and returner Seth Trimble both have the ability to be lockdown defenders. Sure, everyone wants to score while playing basketball, but it's the players who put in the effort on both ends of the floor that make the biggest difference in the game.
Tar Heel fans should be very excited to see what Drake Powell can do once he arrives on campus this summer.