Locked On NBA Draft with No Ceilings

Latest Episodes:

VJ Edgecombe Stumbles While JT Toppin Thrives Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

On the latest LockedOn NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin broke down several notable performances from Thursday's games.

They opened with Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, discussing his struggles against ranked opponents and debating whether it’s too early to worry about his draft stock, despite his defensive productivity and elite athleticism. The conversation then moved to Texas’ Tre Johnson, who overcame a tough shooting night against Syracuse by hitting six clutch free throws to seal the win. Rafael also expressed his optimism about Donnie Freeman, a prospect he’s higher on than the consensus. JT Toppin, who’s off to a red-hot start this season, shined in a big performance against St. Joe’s, sparking a discussion about St. Joe’s trio of prospects: Rasheer Fleming, Erik Reynolds, and Xzavier Brown.

Timestamps:

VJ Edgecombe: 2:37
Tre Johnson: 12:44
Donnie Freeman: 15:35
JJ Starling: 17:10
JT Toppin: 25:04
Rasheer Fleming: 25:50
Erik Reynolds: 31:10
Xzavier Brown: 33:18

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Labaron Philon: The Star of a Prospect-Packed Alabama-Illinois Battle Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman analyze the Alabama vs. Illinois game, focusing on standout performances from several high-level NBA prospects.

The episode begins with a breakdown of Alabama freshman Labaron Philon, whose scoring instincts and creative offensive game stood out. Rafael offered a compelling NBA comparison for Philon, showcasing his potential at the next level.

Next, they examined Alabama senior Grant Nelson, a versatile 6’11” forward with a unique skill set. Rafael shared his thoughts on Nelson’s NBA outlook, highlighting his athleticism and areas of concern when projecting his role in the league.

The conversation then shifted to Alabama freshman Derrion Reid, a highly-touted wing who entered the season with first-round buzz. Despite some early growing pains, Reid’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential continues to intrigue scouts.

The Alabama segment wrapped up with a discussion of Mark Sears, a first-team All-American who struggled mightily, going scoreless against Illinois. Rafael and Richard questioned whether Sears made the right decision to return to school, given the potential impact on his draft stock.

Turning to Illinois, the hosts spotlighted the team’s exciting freshman duo of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, both of whom are garnering first-round attention. They broke down Jakucionis’ playmaking and Riley’s polished shooting and offensive game.

Finally, they analyzed Illinois big man Tomislav Ivisic, a 7-footer with intriguing shooting touch and rim-protecting potential. His unique skill set could make him a valuable addition for teams looking for a stretch big in the second round.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at some of the top NBA prospects from Alabama and Illinois, offering valuable insights for fans and scouts alike.

Labaron Philon - 3:07

Grant Nelson - 6:21

Derrion Reid - 12:46

Mark Sears - 19:18

Kasparas Jakucionis - 25:09

Will Riley - 29:46

Tomislav Ivisic - 34:22

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rookie Watch Vol. 10: How Did Dalton Knecht Fall to No. 17? Plus Other Rookie Highlights Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, brothers Rafael and James Barlowe dissected some of the most intriguing rookie performances. They kicked things off by breaking down Dalton Knecht's stunning 37-point explosion against the Utah Jazz, raising the question of how he fell to the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The brothers explored whether teams might regret passing on Knecht due to concerns about his age. In the second segment, the debate over Stephon Castle’s long-term projection continued, with Rafael and James once again offering differing perspectives on his development. They also highlighted Kyle Filipowski’s unexpected impact, noting how his production has forced the Jazz to carve out minutes for him. Later, they discussed Tidjane Salaun’s breakout performance, marking the best game of his young NBA career. The episode wrapped up with a look at Jared McCain’s continued stellar play, which has positioned him as the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Finally, they discussed Zaccharie Risacher’s bounce-back performance against the Kings, as he shook off a cold streak where he missed 18 of 19 three-point attempts after an earlier game where he drained six triples against the Knicks.

Dalton Knecht - 2:53

Stephon Castle - 12:18

Kyle Filipowski - 16:20

Tidjane Salaun - 23:08

Jared McCain - 26:41

Zaccharie Risacher - 32:49

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking Down The Highly Anticipated Debut of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe broke down the performances of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper in their first regular-season game together. Harper, who had a few games under his belt, played alongside Bailey, returning from injury, and the duo's play was under the microscope. The hosts highlighted Bailey's shot-making ability while expressing concerns about his handle in traffic, and praised Harper's relentless rim pressure and finishing in the paint, though they noted his outside shooting remains a work in progress. In the final segment, the Barlowe brothers debated whether this dynamic freshman duo has a legitimate shot at challenging Cooper Flagg for the top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Ace Bailey - 2:20

Dylan Harper - 16:34

Can Bailey or Harper pass Cooper Flagg? - 30:06

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rookie Watch Vol. 9: NBA Rookies on the Rise—Who Stood Out This Weekend? Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In Rookie Watch Vol. 9 of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe broke down the weekend’s top rookie performances.

The duo highlighted Jared McCain’s continued rise, showcasing his polished scoring and poise in extended minutes. They also dove into Dalton Knecht’s impressive showing against the Pelicans, where his offensive versatility took center stage. Stephon Castle earned praise for a breakout game against the Lakers, with the hosts analyzing his evolving role and potential to become a steady contributor. Meanwhile, Alex Sarr’s weekend was a mixed bag, though his standout performance vs Atlanta offered a glimpse of his upside. Lastly, they touched on Reed Sheppard’s 12-point outing in mop-up duty during a blowout win over the Bulls, noting it as a small but encouraging step in his NBA journey.

Jared McCain - 2:33

Dalton Knecht - 12:02

Stephon Castle - 20:27

Alex Sarr - 25:39

Reed Sheppard - 28:21

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stay in Europe or Go to College? The Decision That Shapes Draft Stock Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and guest Alec Kichian delve into the tough decisions facing international prospects when choosing between staying in Europe or pursuing college basketball in the United States.

They highlight Egor Demin, the Russian point guard who left Real Madrid to play for BYU, where his NBA draft stock has soared after just three games. In contrast, Hugo Gonzalez, arguably Europe’s top 2006-born prospect, is struggling for consistent minutes with Real Madrid’s senior team.

The discussion also covers Kasparas Jakucionis, who is finding opportunities at Illinois, and Michael Ruzic, a potential first-round pick limited to just four shots per game in Spain.

In the final segment, they examine international players like Aday Mara, Baba Miller, and Jan Vide, whose NBA hype has faltered after underwhelming starts to their college careers.

NBA Draft analyst Rafael Barlowe from NBA Draft Junkies and current author of the NBA Big Board newsletter is joined by Richard Stayman (@MavsDraft), James Barlowe, and Leif Thulin to breakdown the NBA Draft. Rafael & Team gives passionate NBA Draft fans a deep look into the NBA Draft with great guests, Mock Draft, player rankings, and of course BIG BOARDs. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Rookie Race Begins: James Barlowe’s 2024 NBA Draft Class Power Rankings Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, James Barlowe unveils his first Rookie Power Rankings for the 2024 NBA Draft class, breaking down which first-year players are making an impact early in the 2024-25 season.

With host Rafael Barlowe, James highlights the rookies who are quickly ascending, spotlighting standout performances and early signs of potential while noting areas for growth.

From explosive scorers to surprising defensive stoppers, this episode captures who’s leading the rookie race so far, shedding light on the most promising and unexpected rookie storylines just a few weeks into the season.

Tune in for an in-depth look at the players off to strong starts and the ones who might soon climb the rankings with some key adjustments.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Champions Classic Recap: Breaking Down the Top Prospects in Action Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin recap the highly anticipated Champions Classic, diving into standout performances from some of the top NBA prospects. They kick things off with Cooper Flagg, as Leif passionately discusses Flagg’s dominant 26-point, 12-rebound performance. The conversation then shifts to Khaman Maluach, with Rafael praising his development as ahead of schedule, while Leif highlights Maluach’s defensive impact on the game.

Next, the hosts analyze Kon Knueppel’s challenging night, where he went 5 of 20 from the field. Rafael poses the question to Leif: did Knueppel struggle with athleticism, or was he simply off his game? Later in the second segment, they turn their attention to Otega Oweh, who made a name for himself with key stops on Flagg. Rafael shares an interesting story about a scout’s perspective on Oweh from last year.

To wrap up, Rafael and Leif discuss the Kansas prospects, covering Flory Bidunga, Zeke Mayo, and Hunter Dickinson, rounding out a comprehensive breakdown of the night’s standout players and potential NBA futures. Tune in for in-depth insights on each player and what their Champions Classic performances mean for the NBA draft.

Cooper Flagg - 2:11

Khaman Maluach - 12:36

Kon Knueppel - 16:15

Otega Oweh - 22:40

Flory Bidunga - 28:19

Zeke Mayo - 28:38

Hunter Dickinson - 31:27

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cooper Flagg’s Big Test vs Kentucky: Breaking Down His Upside, Position, & NBA Potential Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and James Barlowe dig into Cooper Flagg’s big-time performance against Kentucky, where the star prospect posted 26 points and 12 rebounds but stumbled with three key mistakes in crunch time.

The hosts unpack Flagg’s game, exploring his long-term upside and positional fit at the NBA level. James sees Flagg as a natural small forward, while Rafael believes the forward spots are interchangeable in today’s league, envisioning an NBA coach who could creatively unlock Flagg’s potential.

In a thoughtful comparison segment, James offers a potential NBA comp for Flagg, and Rafael dives into Flagg’s unique developmental path, highlighting how his experience as a primary playmaker for an under-16 AAU team, combined with high-level competition at Montverde, has shaped his growth.

The duo provides a balanced look at Flagg’s strengths and areas for further refinement, giving fans an in-depth view of one of basketball’s most intriguing young talents.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Champions Classic Preview: Key NBA Draft Questions for Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and Michigan State Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

On this solo episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlow dives into his biggest questions for the 2024 Champions Classic, featuring tonight’s matchups between Kansas and Michigan State and Duke and Kentucky. Rafael opens by asking which Kansas transfer will step up, noting the team’s new additions and speculating on who might emerge as an NBA prospect. He then shifts focus to Flory Bidunga, questioning whether the Kansas freshman can build his case as a future NBA player with another strong performance. For Michigan State, Rafael ponders who their top NBA prospect is, given the program’s first-round draft drought since 2018, and wonders if Frankie Fidler, the transfer from Omaha, might be the answer.

In the Duke vs. Kentucky showdown, Rafael explores the clash between Kentucky’s experience and Duke’s NBA-ready talent, asking if the Wildcats’ veteran roster can outshine Duke’s projected lottery picks. He also hones in on the sharpshooting duel between Duke’s Kon Knueppel and Kentucky’s Kobe Brea, curious to see who will have the better night from beyond the arc. For Duke’s frontcourt, he questions whether freshman center Khaman Maluach is ready to face Kentucky’s physical Amari Williams. Rafael then raises the question of whether this could be a bounce-back game for Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, who has yet to make the expected sophomore leap and struggled in last year’s Champions Classic.

Continuing with Duke, Rafael wonders if we’ll see highly touted freshman Isaiah Evans, who has yet to find minutes in Duke’s rotation. On Kentucky’s side, he asks if tonight could be the breakout game for Jaxson Robinson, a fifth-year senior Rafael has been high on. Finally, Rafael discusses Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the projected top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, asking if he can live up to the hype under the big-game spotlight and whether he’ll be able to stay on the floor without the cramping issues that have sidelined him early this season. Tune in as Rafael breaks down all these questions and more in a comprehensive preview of tonight’s Champions Classic matchups.

Which Kansas transfer will step up? – 5:07
Can Flory Bidunga make his NBA case tonight? – 6:50
Who is Michigan State's best prospect? – 7:19
How real is Frankie Fidler's NBA potential? – 9:36
Kentucky's experience versus Duke's NBA talent – 12:12
Cooper Flagg's first test – 13:12
Kon Knueppel versus Kobe Brea – 13:50
Is Khaman Maluach ready? – 14:27
Will tonight be a bounce-back game for Tyrese Proctor? – 15:20
Will we see Isaiah Evans? – 16:32
Is Jaxson Robinson due for a breakout game? – 18:04
Can Cooper Flagg live up to the hype? – 19:47

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Locked On NBA Draft with No Ceilings

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected