​Playing basketball at North Carolina was a dream come true for Drake Powell, who grew up in Chapel Hill and played his high school ball down the road at Northwood.Powell suited up for UNC during its 2024-25 season, which ended in a Round of 64 NCAA Tournament loss to Ole Miss. Powell quickly earned a name for himself thanks to shutdown defense, but also for his ability to score the basketball from anywhere.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow entering his second NBA season, Powell just enjoyed his best Summer League output on Tuesday night. Powell scored 18 points in the Brooklyn Nets’ 115-83 win over the Sacramento Kings, making six of his 10 shots from the field (4-of-7 mark on 3-pointers) and his lone free throw attempt.Originally selected 22nd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in last year’s NBA Draft, Powell had his Draft Day right traded to Brooklyn. Powell had a solid rookie season, averaging 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 63 games (24 starts) while shooting 89.6 percent on free throws, but Brooklyn finished with its third-straight losing campaign and playoff absence.The Nets upgraded their roster earlier this offseason, acquiring star power forward Julius Randle via trade and drafting point guard Mikel Brown sixth overall, while retaining former Tar Heel Day’Ron Sharpe. Powell may have to compete for starting minutes again, but his sophomore campaign should result in more victories.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPowell’s lone season as a Tar Heel was the last for RJ Davis, who currently is playing Summer League ball with the Austin Spurs. Now entering Year Two, Powell is ready to further prove himself as a valuable NBA asset.Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Former Tar Heel enjoys best NBA Summer League game on Tuesday night