Jonathan Powell, the 6-foot-6 guard who made an immediate impact at West Virginia as a freshman, announced in April 2025 that he would continue his career at North Carolina. Weighing 191 pounds, Powell became one of the most sought-after transfers and ultimately chose the Tar Heels after considering Ole Miss and Ohio State.
Jonathan Powell Details Guidance From Mother, Hubert Davis in Transfer Choice
Powell’s move from West Virginia to North Carolina marked a significant step in his basketball journey, one shaped by family influence and trust in Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis.
The 6-foot-6 guard, who chose UNC over Ole Miss and Ohio State, said the decision was rooted in relationships that felt genuine from the start.
“I wanted a real opportunity, a coach who believed in me, that was the first thing,” Powell said on the Carolina Insider Podcast. “Instantly off the phone, me and Coach Davis connected from off rip and especially not just me but my family as well.”
Powell emphasized the importance of his mother in the process.
“Seeing my mom connect with Coach Davis as well, that’s why I wanted to see,” he said. “Her seeing my mom happy, that made me even more happy and more comfortable to come here.”
The connection extended beyond recruitment, as Powell described the embrace of the Carolina community.
“The love from the Carolina fans, the community was unbelievable off rip,” he said.
As a freshman with the Mountaineers, Powell started 23 games and averaged 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds. He shot 35.2% from beyond the arc, ranking second among Big 12 freshmen with 64 3-pointers, and made at least half his 3-point attempts in 11 contests.
His season included scoring 17 points with four 3-pointers in a win over N.C. Central and grabbing nine rebounds twice, against Cincinnati and Baylor. Despite his shooting, he attempted only 25 free throws all season, converting 48%.
Powell Wants To Be Recognized Beyond a Shooter
Known primarily as a perimeter threat, Powell is eager to show more.
“If people only know me as a shooter, they’re missing out on a lot,” he said. “I can guard one of the guys’ best players, stop him from scoring, get rebounds, get my teammates involved with my facilitating and playmaking abilities, being able to finish at the rim.”
Powell added that he has been expanding his game in the offseason, but has not neglected his greatest strength:
“There’s nothing wrong with continuing to sharpen my iron with my shooting.”
Confidence remains central to his approach.
“I wouldn’t even say two. All I need is one,” Powell said when asked about streak shooting. “That’s just my confidence. Coach Davis also gave me that confidence too of kind of using that God-given ability I got of shooting the ball.”
With his edge and energy, Powell believes he brings more than scoring.
“I like to bring that type of energy. If it’s talking to my teammates, bringing them up on defense, getting a stop, doing all that can be positive for a team.”
Powell’s words reflect not only his commitment to growth but also the foundation of belief and support that guided him to Chapel Hill.