Q&A with recruit Julius Powell

Julius Powell, a 6-foot-8 forward from Newton-Conover, N.C., has played two seasons at Clemson and is transferring at the start of the spring semester. Powell made a recruiting visit Saturday and attended the 49ers’ 83-51 win against Gardner-Webb.

Q: What brings you to Halton Arena?
Powell: I wanted to come check out the 49ers. I am considering coming here next semester. I wanted to check out one of their ballgames.

Q: What was your main reason for looking to moving to another school?
Powell: Things just didn’t work out the way I wanted them to at Clemson. Coach (Oliver Purnell) and I sat down to talk about it. I wanted to redshirt because of some problems with my left knee. After we talked about it, it made more sense for me and the Clemson program to transfer, if that was what I wanted to do. I think that’s the best decision for me and for them. They have some big guys coming in next year and it would be a fresh start for me.

Q: How is your injury situation?
Powell: I had two surgeries on my left knee. I got a second opinion and basically I came back too soon after surgery and needed more rehab time.

Q: What do you like about Charlotte?
Powell: I’d be very close to my family and friends. Basketball is the biggest sport here. Like at Clemson, it’s really a football school. Charlotte has a great basketball environment here and I would really look forward to that.

Q: Do you feel you would fit into Charlotte’s style of play?
Powell: Oh, yes. Big guys have a lot more freedom, a lot of freedom to create your shot. I really like the up-and-down game.