Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County is fortunate to have two former high school student-athletes playing for Division 1 basketball programs. Former Seaforth basketball player Jarin Stevenson was playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide and former Northwood basketball player Drake Powell is playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels. On Sunday evening, ESPN reported that Jarin was going to transferring to UNC. Here’s a brief summary of how they have been doing playing college basketball.
Background and High School Career
Jarin Stevenson
- Hometown and High School: Born on October 15, 2005, in Chatham County, North Carolina, Stevenson grew up in South Korea due to his father Jarod’s professional basketball career there. He returned to the U.S. in middle school and played his freshman year at Northwood High School in Pittsboro, NC, where he helped the team reach the class 3-A state championship game. He then transferred to Seaforth High School, where his parents coached, and was named first-team all-conference and Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Player of the Year as a sophomore, averaging 20.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.4 blocks, and 2.4 assists per game. By his junior year, he averaged 21.5 points and 11.6 rebounds, earning the 2023 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year award.
- Recruiting Profile: Stevenson was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class, ranked No. 16 nationally, No. 3 power forward, and No. 1 in North Carolina by ESPN, and No. 10 overall by 247Sports. He reclassified to the 2023 class, graduating high school early to join Alabama, choosing them over UNC and Virginia. His decision was influenced by Alabama’s promise of early playing time and fit with coach Nate Oats’ system.
- Family Ties: Stevenson’s mother, Nicole, played for the UNC Tar Heels women’s basketball team, and his father played professionally overseas. His upbringing near UNC’s campus made him a prime target for the Tar Heels.
Drake Powell
- Hometown and High School: Born on September 8, 2005, Powell also hails from Pittsboro, NC, and attended Northwood High School, where he played alongside Stevenson during his freshman year. As a junior, Powell averaged 18.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. In his senior year, he posted 17.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, leading Northwood to a 16-0 league record. He was a two-time NCBCA All-State selection, Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and played in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
- Recruiting Profile: Powell was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class, considered one of the top players nationally. He committed to UNC over offers from Florida State, NC State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Wake Forest, Miami, and Georgia, signing his National Letter of Intent on November 16, 2023. His connection to UNC is deep—his parents both attended the university, his father played baseball there, and he is cousins with head coach Hubert Davis.
- Family Ties: Powell’s family is entrenched in UNC athletics. His mother was an all-state high school basketball player, his sister played volleyball at Virginia Tech and UConn, and his brother played basketball at Louisburg College and North Carolina A&T.
Comparison: Both players are from Pittsboro, NC, and played together at Northwood as freshmen. In their sophomore year Powell’s Northwood team defeated Stevenson’s Seaforth 72-42 in 2021. In their junior year, Seaforth opted not to play against Northwood in basketball. Stevenson’s international upbringing in South Korea contrasts with Powell’s lifelong North Carolina roots. Both were five-star recruits, but Stevenson reclassified to 2023, giving him an extra year of college experience, while Powell stayed in the 2024 class and joined UNC as a freshman.
College Career and Performance
Jarin Stevenson (Alabama Crimson Tide)
- Position and Role: Forward, 6’11”, 215 lbs. Stevenson plays as a power forward with stretch-four capabilities, leveraging his height and shooting to space the floor.
- 2023-24 (Freshman Season): Played in all 37 games with five starts during SEC play, averaging 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 16.7 minutes per game. He made a significant impact in Alabama’s Final Four run, scoring a career-high 19 points in their Elite Eight win over Clemson [Ref web ID: 10] [Ref web ID: 14].
- 2024-25 (Sophomore Season): Through nine games, Stevenson averaged 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 18.7 minutes. In a December 4, 2024, game against UNC, he played 16 minutes, scoring 6 points (2-for-3 from three), with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. His three-point shooting improved late in non-conference play, going 5-for-7 against Rutgers and Oregon after starting 0-for-18.
- Transfer Portal: On April 9, 2025, Stevenson entered the transfer portal with a “do not contact” tag, indicating he may already have a destination in mind. NC State is rumored as a possible landing spot, and UNC could also pursue him. As of Sunday evening, April 13, ESPN is reporting that Jarin is transferring to UNC.
- Notable Games: Stevenson’s return to Chapel Hill on December 4, 2024, saw Alabama defeat UNC 94-79, with Stevenson facing Powell directly. His 19-point Elite Eight performance against Clemson in 2024 highlighted his potential.
Drake Powell (North Carolina Tar Heels)
- Position and Role: Guard/Forward, listed at 6’6”. Powell is a versatile wing known for his defensive prowess and ability to play multiple positions (often the 3 or 4).
- 2024-25 (Freshman Season): Played in all 37 games, starting 24 (13 at the 4, last 10 at the 3), averaging 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds (estimated based on context), and 1.5 assists (estimated) in 25-35 minutes per game. He shot 49.5% from the field (56.4% in his last 10 games) and 38% from three, with a season-high 18 points against Michigan State. Defensively, he was UNC’s Defensive Player of the Year, leading the team in plus/minus 10 times and anchoring a struggling defense.
- Notable Games: Scored 17 points against SMU and 16 against Miami in ACC play, with a high of four three-pointers in games against Michigan State and SMU. Defensively, he held Cal’s leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic to 4 points on 3-of-13 shooting.
- Impact: Powell’s versatility allows UNC to play him at multiple spots, making teammates “more comfortable” on the court. His defensive intensity and late-season starting role highlight his growing influence.
Comparison: Stevenson, with an extra year of college experience, has shown flashes of high-level scoring (e.g., 19 points vs. Clemson) but has been inconsistent, particularly with his three-point shooting early in 2024-25. Powell, as a freshman, has been more consistent, especially defensively, and has a higher scoring average (7.4 vs. 5.4). Stevenson’s height (6’11”) gives him an edge in the paint, while Powell’s versatility and defensive impact make him a more well-rounded contributor at this stage. Stevenson’s transfer portal entry suggests uncertainty, while Powell appears set as a cornerstone for UNC.
Playing Style and Skills
Jarin Stevenson
- Strengths: At 6’11”, Stevenson is a stretch-four with the ability to shoot from deep, as seen in his 5-for-7 three-point stretch against Rutgers and Oregon. His size allows him to block shots (3.4 blocks per game in high school) and rebound effectively, though his college rebounding numbers (2.7-3.4 per game) are modest for his height. He thrives in Alabama’s up-tempo, spacing-heavy offense, where he can exploit mismatches.
- Weaknesses: Stevenson’s consistency is a concern—his three-point shooting was nonexistent (0-for-18) early in 2024-25, and his overall scoring and rebounding numbers are lower than expected for a former five-star. His minutes (18.7 per game) suggest he hasn’t fully earned a starring role, and his transfer portal move may reflect a need for a better fit.
- NBA Potential: Stevenson’s size and shooting give him NBA upside, but he needs to improve consistency and physicality to reach that level, as noted during his recruitment.
Drake Powell
- Strengths: Powell is a defensive standout, earning UNC’s Defensive Player of the Year honors as a freshman. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, as seen in his containment of Cal’s Andrej Stojakovic. Offensively, he’s efficient (49.5% FG, 38% 3PT), with a knack for clutch shooting (e.g., a game-tying three at Notre Dame). His high school stats (4.5 assists, 2.2 steals) show playmaking and defensive instincts that translate to college.
- Weaknesses: Powell’s scoring (7.4 points) is solid but not elite, and he’s not a primary offensive option for UNC. His rebounding (estimated 5.5 per game) is decent but not dominant for a wing/forward.
- NBA Potential: Powell’s defensive versatility and efficient shooting make him a strong NBA prospect, especially if he develops his offensive game further. His performance at the 2024 Nike Skills Academy, where he impressed NBA scouts, underscores his potential.
Comparison: Stevenson’s game is built on size and shooting, fitting a modern stretch-four mold, but his inconsistency holds him back. Powell, while shorter, is more versatile, impacting both ends of the floor with defense and efficient scoring. Stevenson has a higher ceiling as a shooter, but Powell’s well-rounded play and defensive anchor role give him a more immediate impact.
Head-to-Head Matchup
On December 4, 2024, Alabama defeated UNC 94-79 in Chapel Hill during the SEC/ACC Challenge. Stevenson played 16 minutes, scoring 6 points (2-for-3 from three), with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. Powell’s specific stats from that game aren’t detailed in the sources, but he likely started (given his 24 starts) and faced Stevenson directly, as noted in game coverage. Alabama’s tall lineup, including Stevenson at 6’11”, disrupted UNC’s shooting (5-of-28 from three), suggesting Stevenson’s size posed problems for Powell and the Tar Heels.
Analysis: Stevenson’s length contributed to Alabama’s defensive dominance, though his offensive output was modest. Powell, known for his defensive tenacity, likely struggled against Alabama’s height, as UNC couldn’t find a rhythm offensively. This matchup highlighted Stevenson’s physical advantage but also Powell’s potential to adapt in future encounters.
Future Outlook
Jarin Stevenson: Stevenson’s transfer portal entry on April 9, 2025, suggests he’s seeking a fresh start after two seasons at Alabama. At 19 years old, he has time to develop, but his inconsistent production (5.3-5.4 points per game) raises questions about his fit in high-level programs. If he lands at a school like NC State or even UNC, a change of scenery could unlock his five-star potential, especially if he improves his shooting consistency and rebounding. As of Sunday evening, April 13, ESPN is reporting that Jarin is transferring to UNC.
Drake Powell: Powell, as a freshman, has already established himself as a key piece for UNC, particularly on defense. At 19, his trajectory is upward, with room to grow offensively. His performance at the Nike Skills Academy in August 2024, where he turned heads among NBA scouts, suggests a bright future, potentially as a two-way NBA wing if he continues to develop.
Comparison: Powell’s current role and impact at UNC give him an edge in stability and development trajectory. Stevenson’s transfer move introduces uncertainty, but his physical tools and shooting potential could make him a breakout candidate in the right system.
Summary Table
| Category | Jarin Stevenson (Alabama) | Drake Powell (UNC) |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Forward (Stretch-Four) | Guard/Forward (Wing) |
| Height | 6’11” | ~6’6” (estimated) |
| Class | Sophomore (reclassified to 2023) | Freshman (2024) |
| 2024-25 Stats | 5.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 18.7 MPG | 7.4 PPG, ~5.5 RPG, 25-35 MPG |
| Shooting | 42.9% FG, 30.7% 3PT | 49.5% FG, 38% 3PT |
| Strengths | Size, shooting potential, shot-blocking | Defensive versatility, efficiency, clutch play |
| Weaknesses | Inconsistency, modest rebounding for size | Not a primary scorer, foul trouble |
| NBA Potential | High ceiling as a stretch-four, needs consistency | Strong two-way wing prospect |
| Current Status | In transfer portal as of April 9, 2025. As of Sunday evening, April 13, ESPN is reporting that Jarin is transferring to UNC. | Key contributor for UNC, likely to stay |
Final Take: Powell currently has the edge due to his defensive impact, consistency, and fit at UNC, where he’s thriving as a freshman. Stevenson’s size and shooting give him a higher ceiling, but his inconsistency and transfer portal move suggest he’s still searching for the right role. Their December 2024 matchup showed Stevenson’s physical advantage, but Powell’s well-rounded game makes him the more reliable player at this stage. Both have NBA potential, with Powell on a steadier path and Stevenson needing a breakout opportunity.