Locked On NBA Draft with No Ceilings

Latest Episodes:

Why Nolan Traore Has PROVEN He's a Lottery Pick + Neoklis Avdalas Interview | NBA Draft Podcast Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

In the final installment of the "Passport Prospects" series on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe spotlights three international guards with intriguing draft potential. He opens with Nolan Traore, a French point guard who began the season with top-five buzz but has since slipped in consensus rankings. Barlowe argues that Traore's blend of playmaking and downhill aggression still warrants lottery consideration, despite concerns about his shooting and turnovers. Next, Barlowe breaks down Ben Saraf, an Israeli guard playing in Germany, highlighting his scoring instincts, size, and three-level shot-making. The episode concludes with a profile of Neoklis Avdalas from Greece, whom Barlowe labels a potential first-round sleeper due to size, shooting, athleticism and passing. The segment wraps with a brief one-on-one interview between Barlowe and Avdalas, offering listeners a direct glimpse into the prospect's mindset.

Bullet Point Timestamps:

Nolan Traore – 2:00
Ben Saraf – 10:07
Neoklis Avdalas – 17:28
Neoklis Avdalas Interview – 23:18

Hashtags:
#NBADraft #InternationalProspects #PassportProspects #NolanTraore #BenSaraf #NeoklisAvdalas #NBABigBoard #RafaelBarlowe #LotteryPick #SleeperProspects #DraftSleepers #DraftTalk #DraftBuzz #NBAProspects #EuroProspects #DraftAnalysis #ScoutingReport #DraftWatch #NBA2025Draft #BasketballScouting #FIBAProspects #NBAFutureStars #LotteryTalent #DraftInterview #DraftDeepDive #ProspectBreakdown #BasketballProspects #InternationalBasketball #NextGenNBA #GlobalProspects #NBADraftContent #FirstRoundPicks #NBADraftTalk

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Passport Prospects: Noa Essengue and Hugo Gonzalez Lead 2025's Top International Wings Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of the Passport Prospects series, Rafael Barlowe shares his personal scouting reports on the top international wings eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. He opens the episode by explaining why he’s so passionate about international scouting, then dives into detailed evaluations of Noa Essengue, Hugo Gonzalez, Noah Penda, Alex Toohey, and Ben Henshall. From Essengue’s physical tools and switchability to Gonzalez’s slashing and two-way upside, Barlowe gives listeners an inside look at the strengths, weaknesses, and long-term projections of these global prospects.

Time Stamps:

2:08 – Why Rafael Loves International Scouting
5:04 – Noa Essengue
13:03 – Hugo Gonzalez
21:53 – Noah Penda
25:21 – Alex Toohey
27:35 – Ben Henshall

#NBADraft2025
#PassportProspects
#InternationalProspects
#NBABigBoard
#NoaEssengue
#HugoGonzalez
#NoahPenda
#AlexToohey
#BenHenshall
#NBAWings
#GlobalBasketball
#DraftScouting
#NBAFutureStars
#BasketballProspects
#NBAInternational
#NextGenNBA
#NBAWings2025
#InternationalBasketball
#NBADraftAnalysis
#NBAProspects2025

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Passport Prospects: The Top International Bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

In Part 1 of a 3-part series titled Passport Prospects, Rafael Barlowe breaks down the top big men from the international ranks in the 2025 NBA Draft class on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast. He shares his thoughts on Joan Beringer (France) and the promise he’s shown early, Bogi Markovic (Serbia) and his intriguing versatility, and Hansen Yang (China), who remains one of the class’s most polarizing prospects due to his unique skill set. Barlowe also dives into Rocco Zikarsky’s (Australia) massive size and long-term upside, questions whether Lachlan Olbrich’s (Australia) throwback style fits the modern NBA, highlights Michael Ruzic’s (Croatia) offensive potential, and discusses Mo Faye (Senegal) as a defined rim-runner with clear utility at the next level.

Time Stamps:

1:55 – Joan Beringer
6:05 – Bogi Markovic
13:21 – Hansen Yang
22:31 – Rocco Zikarsky
25:24 – Lachlan Olbrich
27:54 – Michael Ruzic
30:34 – Mo Faye

#NBADraft2025
#PassportProspects
#InternationalProspects
#NBABigBoard
#JoanBeringer
#BogiMarkovic
#HansenYang
#RoccoZikarsky
#LachlanOlbrich
#MichaelRuzic
#MoFaye
#DraftSeason
#NBAProspects
#NBAFutureStars
#InternationalBasketball
#GlobalNBAProspects
#DraftTalk
#NBAScouting
#BasketballScouting
#NBAOverseas
#NextGenNBA
#ScoutingReport
#BasketballProspects
#NBA2025

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NIL Deals or NBA Dreams? Winners and Losers of the 2025 Draft Landscape May 30, 2025

Show notes

In a recent episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Krysten Peek explored the significant impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on the 2025 NBA Draft class. They discussed how NIL opportunities have made it financially advantageous for some prospects to return to college, even when projected as first-round picks. This trend has led to a thinner draft class, as players opt to stay in school where they can earn substantial income through NIL agreements. Barlowe and Peek also examined the broader implications of NIL on future draft classes, suggesting that the allure of college earnings could continue to influence players' decisions to delay entering the NBA. Peek highlighted the biggest winners and losers in this new landscape, noting that while some college programs benefit from retaining top talent, NBA teams may find the draft pool less deep than in previous years.

🎧 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

1:45 – NIL's Impact on the 2025 & 2026 NBA Draft Classes
Barlowe and Peek discuss how NIL deals have influenced top prospects to return to college, leading to a thinner 2025 draft class and setting a precedent for the 2026 class and beyond.

5:56 – Challenges in Conducting Pre-Draft Workouts
The hosts delve into how NIL has complicated NBA teams' abilities to conduct pre-draft workouts, as players weigh the benefits of returning to college against entering the draft.

8:57 – NBA Combine Invitations as Leverage for NIL Deals
Discussion on how prospects are using NBA Combine invitations to negotiate better NIL deals, leveraging their draft potential to enhance their college earnings.

18:51 – Biggest Winners in the NIL Era
Peek identifies programs like Michigan and Florida as major beneficiaries, retaining top talent due to lucrative NIL offers

27:25 – Teams Struggling with NIL
Analysis of teams that have struggled to maximize their NIL potential, leading to the loss of key prospects and impacting their competitive edge.

#NILImpact #NBADraft2025 #NBADraft2026 #NBACombine #CollegeBasketball #NILDeals #DraftProspects #NBAProspects #LockedOnNBABigBoard #RafaelBarlowe #KrystenPeek #DraftAnalysis #NCAAHoops #BasketballRecruiting #NBACombine2025 #NILMoney #DraftWinners #DraftLosers #NBAFrontOffice #CollegeAthletes

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Draft Deadline Drama: Labaron Philon Withdraws Mid-Episode, Jamir Watkins & RJ Luis Stay In May 29, 2025

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe dissect the pivotal draft decisions made by several underclassmen ahead of the NBA draft withdrawal deadline. They delve into the choices of Jamir Watkins, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Adou Thiero, and RJ Luis Jr., all of whom have opted to remain in the draft, analyzing how these decisions might influence their professional trajectories. Mid-episode, breaking news emerges as Labaron Philon announces his withdrawal from the draft, prompting an immediate discussion on his potential impact in the upcoming college season. The hosts also examine the returns of Tahaad Pettiford, Miles Byrd, and Otega Oweh to their respective college programs, considering how these decisions could reshape the landscape of college basketball in the 2025–26 season.

Episode Time Stamps:

Jamir Watkins – 1:40
Yanic Konan Niederhauser – 6:00
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (continued) – 9:52
RJ Luis Jr. – 15:34
Adou Thiero – 20:20
Labaron Philon (breaking news) – 23:38
Miles Byrd – 24:46
Labaron Philon (continued) – 26:09
Otega Oweh – 28:18
Tahaad Pettiford – 30:13

#NBADraft2025 #NBADraftDecisions #CollegeBasketball #NBAProspects #DraftDeadline #LockedOnNBABigBoard #JamirWatkins #YanicKonanNiederhauser #AdouThiero #RJLuis #LabaronPhilon #TahaadPettiford #MilesByrd #OtegaOweh #NBADraftAnalysis #NCAAProspects #NBADraftPodcast #NBAUnderclassmen #NBADraftNews #NBADraftBuzz

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Who Should Philly Take at No. 3: Ace Bailey or Tre Johnson? May 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe, James Barlowe, and Leif Thulin engage in a focused and fiery debate on what the Philadelphia 76ers should do with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While the consensus around the league favors Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey—valued for his shot making and long-term upside—Rafael Barlowe goes against the grain. He makes the case for Texas freshman Tre Johnson, citing Johnson’s scoring package and shot-making ability as a cleaner fit for the Sixers’ current timeline. James and Leif, however, lean toward Bailey, standing firm on his two-way potential and long-term ceiling. The trio also discusses whether Baylor wing VJ Edgecombe should enter the conversation as a high-upside option. Tune in for a sharp, in-depth look at one of the most pivotal draft decisions of 2025.

#NBADraft2025 #Philadelphia76ers #TreJohnson #AceBailey #VJEdgecombe #LockedOnNBABigBoard #NBADraftDebate #SixersDraft #NBAProspects #DraftTalk

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NBA Draft Withdrawal Watch: Yaxel Lendeborg and Alex Condon Return to School—Who’s Next? May 28, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe is joined by co-hosts James Barlowe and Leif Thulin to break down the major decisions NCAA prospects are facing ahead of the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline.

In the first two segments, the crew focuses on high-profile returners:

Yaxel Lendeborg, one of the top prospects still on the fence, has opted out of the NBA Draft and committed to Michigan via the transfer portal after leaving UAB.
Alex Condon of Florida has also chosen to return to school, giving the Gators a major frontcourt piece as they look to build on last season’s momentum and contend for a repeat national title.

In the final segment, attention shifts to the prospects who have yet to make their final call. With the deadline looming on Wednesday at 11:59 PM ET, the trio weighs in on the decisions still to come from:

Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
Myles Byrd (San Diego State)
Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
Adou Thiero (Arkansas)
Jamir Watkins (Florida State), who’s not only undecided but also in the transfer portal, adding intrigue to his next move.

#NBADraft2025 #NCAAHoops #CollegeBasketball #DraftDecisions #YaxelLendeborg #AlexCondon #TahaadPettiford #MylesByrd #OtegaOweh #AdouThiero #JamirWatkins #TransferPortal #LockedOnNBA #NBABigBoard

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VJ Edgecombe Brooklyn Bound: Steal of the Draft at No. 8? James Barlowe's Post NBA Combine Mock Draft May 23, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe is joined by his brother, James Barlowe, to unveil James' post-NBA Combine mock draft. The duo delves into detailed analyses of the top 10 picks, discussing player fits and team needs. James provides insights on Cooper Flagg's potential impact with the Dallas Mavericks, Dylan Harper's compatibility with the San Antonio Spurs, and debates whether the Philadelphia 76ers should select Ace Bailey at number 3. He also examines if Khaman Maluach could serve as a replacement for Mark Williams at pick 4 for the Charlotte Hornets and evaluates Tre Johnson's fit with the Utah Jazz at number 5 and more.

The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment addressing the remaining lottery picks, offering a comprehensive overview of the draft landscape.

Here’s the full timestamped draft order summary:

1:40 – 2025 NBA Combine Thoughts
3:15 – No. 1, Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg
5:28 – No. 2, San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper
7:45 – No. 3, Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey
12:17 – No. 4, Charlotte Hornets – Khaman Maluach
15:40 – No. 5, Utah Jazz – Tre Johnson
18:10 – No. 6, Washington Wizards – Derik Queen
21:00 – No. 7, New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears
22:39 – No. 8, Brooklyn Nets – VJ Edgecombe
24:14 – No. 9, Toronto Raptors – Noa Essengue
26:41 – No. 10, Houston Rockets – Kon Knueppel
28:49 – No. 11, Portland Trail Blazers – Kasparas Jakucionis
31:30 – No. 12, Chicago Bulls – Cedric Cowart
32:50 – No. 13, Atlanta Hawks – Rasheer Fleming
34:10 – No. 14, San Antonio Spurs – Collin Murray-Boyles

#NBADraft2025
#NBAMockDraft
#NBACombine2025
#CooperFlagg
#DylanHarper
#AceBailey
#KhamanMaluach
#TreJohnson
#DerikQueen
#JeremiahFears
#VJEdgecombe
#NoaEssengue
#KonKnueppel
#KasparasJakucionis
#CedricCoward
#RasheerFleming
#CollinMurrayBoyles
#LockedOnNBA
#RafaelBarlowe
#NBAProspects
#DraftTalk
#NBADraftPodcast
#BasketballScouting
#NBADraftBigBoard
#FutureStars
#NBAProspectBreakdown

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Who Are the Best Shooters in the 2025 NBA Draft? May 22, 2025

Show notes

In the recent episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin delved into the top shooters in the 2025 NBA Draft class. Leif offered insights on several prospects, highlighting their shooting abilities and potential impact at the next level.

1:38 – Leif shares his thoughts on the NBA Combine.
4:11 – Koby Brea
6:16 – Tre Johnson
13:25 – Kon Knueppel
19:31 – Ace Bailey
24:00 – Jase Richardson
26:34 – Walter Clayton Jr.
28:21 – Chaz Lanier

#NBADraft2025 #TopShooters #NBACombine #KobyBrea #TreJohnson #KonKnueppel #AceBailey #JaseRichardson #WalterClaytonJr #ChazLanier #LockedOnNBABigBoard #NBAProspects #DraftAnalysis #BasketballScouting #FutureStars

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NBA Combine Mailbag: Breaking Down the Buzz, Pro Days, Giannis Trade Talk & Cooper Flagg in Dallas May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this NBA Combine mailbag edition of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe answers ten of the hottest draft-related after the 2025 NBA Combine in Chicago. He breaks down the biggest risers from the 2025 NBA Combine, explores how much the Combine and Pro Days really matter in the draft process, and dives into roster strategy for teams like OKC, Portland, and Philly. Rafael shares his thoughts on whether the Spurs should go all-in for Giannis Antetokounmpo, how Brooklyn should handle its four first-rounders, and what Dallas might do with Cooper Flagg. Notably, he explains why—despite the buzz—he doesn’t view Maxime Raynaud or Cedric Coward as true draft risers.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps:

1:41 – Who were the biggest risers from the 2025 NBA Combine?
6:22 – Does the NBA Combine really matter?
10:48 – Are Pro Days really important?
14:15 – Who is the best fit for the Oklahoma City Thunder at number 15?
15:16 – Would I personally trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if I were the San Antonio Spurs?
17:22 – What should the Portland Trail Blazers do at number 11?
19:30 – Should the Philadelphia 76ers trade the number three pick for a veteran?
23:30 – The Brooklyn Nets have four picks in the first round. Who should they take?
28:48 – Thoughts on China's Hansen Yang.
31:04 – Will the Dallas Mavericks keep or trade Cooper Flagg?

#NBADraft2025 #NBACombine #DraftCombine2025 #ProDays #CooperFlagg #GiannisAntetokounmpo #Philadelphia76ers #OKCThunder #PortlandTrailBlazers #BrooklynNets #HansenYang #CedricCoward #MaximeRaynaud #NBAProspects #DraftStock #NBAOffseason #LockedOnNBA #NBABigBoard #NBAAnalysis #BasketballScouting #NBAInsights #DraftDayDecisions #FrontOfficeMoves #NBAFutureStars

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