Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 - 2:11Khaman Maluach - 12:36Kon Knueppel - 16:15Otega Oweh - 22:40Flory Bidunga - 28:19Zeke Mayo - 28:38Hunter Dickinson - 31:27

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.

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

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael and James Barlowe dive into early struggles from two top prospects, VJ Edgecombe and Nolan Traore, who entered the season with top-five potential. Edgecombe has had a tough start, averaging just 7.5 points per game on 21.7% shooting, though his two games have come against top-ranked opponents. Rafael and James debate whether it’s fair to judge him harshly given the high level of competition or if, as a projected top pick, he should be showing more. In the second segment, they shift focus to Traore, whose season has been a mix of explosive 20-point games and lackluster performances. They analyze his inconsistent finishing at the rim and up-and-down shooting, highlighting areas for improvement. Wrapping up, Rafael and James discuss what each prospect needs to work on and whether it’s too early to form conclusions, especially with Traore’s 12 games compared to Edgecombe’s two.VJ Edgecombe - 1:49Nolan Traore - 14:28Areas for improvement - 25:50

In Rookie Watch Volume 8 of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and his brother James Barlowe dive into a jam-packed episode analyzing standout rookie performances from the weekend. They start by breaking down Jared McCain’s breakout 27-point game against the Charlotte Hornets, highlighting McCain’s expanded role due to injuries. Stephon Castle also earns high praise for seizing his opportunity in the starting lineup, showing off his two-way potential. The Barlowe brothers then discuss Kyshawn George, the Wizards rookie who’s been on a tear, averaging 14 points per game over his last four outings—a bright spot for a Wizards team needing to develop young talent. The episode heats up as they analyze the much-anticipated matchup between two lottery talents, Zaccharie Risacher and Matas Buzelis. This wasn’t just any matchup; it came with an extra edge after Buzelis publicly called out Risacher in the pre-draft process, adding fuel to an already intriguing rookie rivalry. They wrap up the episode with a look at the Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie class, which has continued to produce despite injuries to the team’s top three players, helping Memphis to an impressive 7-4 start. Finally, they touch on Donovan Clingan’s career-high 13 points against the Blazers, underscoring Portland’s struggles as the young center continues to show flashes of his potential in an otherwise challenging season for his team. Jared McCain -2:43 Stephon Castle - 6:56 Kyshawn George - 13:17 Isaiah  Collier - 16:57 Risacher vs Buzelis - 22:44 Grizzlies Rookies - 27:28 Donovan Clingan -29:46 Grizzlies Rookies - 29:58

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe dive into their Weekend Watchlist Part 2, breaking down key college matchups and prospects.  They start by examining the talents of Tre Johnson and Collin Murray-Boyles, before moving on to the intriguing Michigan-Wake Forest game, featuring standout players Danny Wolf and Hunter Sallis, who’s recently taken on the role of point guard.  The episode continues with a discussion of James Scott, a player Rafael is particularly excited about, facing a tough test against Tennessee.  Finally, Rafael and James turn their attention to Garwey Dual, a prospect they both had high hopes for at the start of his freshman season, but who has struggled to find his footing so far. The hosts weigh in on whether Dual is still an NBA prospect. 2:18 Tre Johnson 4:44 Collin Murray-Boyles 11:53 - Michigan vs Wake Forest 19:18 - James Scott 23:57 - Garwey Dual

In this episode of Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and James Barlowe launch the “Weekend Watch” series by diving into a lineup of top prospects and key matchups for the weekend. The Barlowe brothers start by discussing VJ Edgecombe and Baylor’s upcoming game against Arkansas, evaluating Edgecombe’s recent struggles against Gonzaga and what he needs to do to bounce back. They also highlight Arkansas’s Boogie Fland as a prospect to keep an eye on. Next, they turn to Maryland’s Derik Queen, who posted an impressive 20-point, 20-rebound performance in his debut, and consider what Queen can do as a follow-up. Moving forward, Rafael puts Kasparas Jakucionis on “triple-double watch,” forecasting that he could be the first NBA prospect to notch a triple-double this season. In the following segment, the brothers focus on BYU’s exciting freshman duo, Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings, noting that BYU’s style of play makes them “must-see TV” and could play a role in attracting AJ Dybantsa, the top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. Finally, they wrap up with a breakdown of the Kansas vs. North Carolina showdown, discussing why Kansas lacks a single player in Rafael’s top 50 big board while North Carolina’s top two NBA prospects surprisingly come off the bench. 2:06 - Baylor vs Arkansas 5:54 - VJ Edgecombe 7:46 - Boogie Fland 13:38 - Derik Queen 17:18 - Kasparas Jakucionis 21:45 - BYU must see TV?  29:24 - Kansas vs North Carolina

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman dive into early impressions on key prospects as the college season kicks off. They start with Dylan Harper’s debut at Rutgers, where Harper, a projected top-five pick, posted 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, though he played without fellow top prospect Ace Bailey. While Richard praised Harper’s performance, Rafael raised concerns over Harper’s shooting struggles, turnovers, and a tough free-throw outing (1-for-6). The conversation then shifts to Ryan Kalkbrenner, who exploded with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and an eye-popping 20-for-22 from the field. Turning to Arkansas, they analyze Boogie Fland’s team-leading scoring and his heavy diet of pull-up jumpers, a trend Rafael sees as one to monitor. They also cover DJ Wagner’s early struggles, Rafael’s admiration for Zvonimir Ivisic, and Arkansas freshmen Karter Knox and Billy Richmond. The episode wraps with a critical look at Arkansas’s shooting woes, as the team went just 4-for-19 from three—a potential season-long issue.Dylan Harper - 3:30Ryan Kalkbrenner - 10:42Boogie Fland - 20:53DJ Wagner - 26:25Zvonimir Ivisic - 28:43Karter Knox - 31:18Billy Richmond - 31:43

In this episode of Locked On NBA Big Board, Rookie Watch Volume 7 Rafael and James Barlowe dive into standout rookie performances from November 6th, starting with Zaccharie Risacher. The first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Risacher showed glimpses of his potential with a breakout 33-point night, going 6-for-10 from three. The Barlowe brothers discuss whether any rookie can top Risacher’s performance this season.The conversation shifts to Matas Buzelis, who seized his first real opportunity for the Chicago Bulls with 13 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. With Patrick Williams struggling, Rafael and James debate whether Buzelis deserves more minutes moving forward.In the second segment, the focus turns to Jaylen Wells, who’s been efficient as a starter for the Grizzlies. Rafael wonders if Wells can retain his spot once Memphis returns to full strength. They also cover his teammate Zach Edey, who had eight points and seven rebounds in limited minutes against the Lakers, with discussion on his fluctuating role.Rafael and James then discuss Kel’el Ware, who finally saw action with the Miami Heat, and Ron Holland, who scored eight points and hit two of his three attempts from deep after a tough start to the season. They briefly touch on Ryan Dunn, who saw just nine minutes against the Heat.The episode wraps up with a look at Reed Sheppard, whom the Barlowe brothers have campaigned to “free” for more playing time. Though he’s getting opportunities, Sheppard hasn’t yet made a major impact. Finally, they discuss Stephon Castle, who continues to struggle with his jumper. Rafael emphasizes to James that Castle’s style doesn’t resemble Brandon Roy’s, adding depth to their ongoing debate about Castle’s best NBA comparison.Zaccharie Risacher - 2:10Matas Buzelis - 6:43Jaylen Wells -12:19Zach Edey - 16:46Ron Holland - 25:08Ryan Dunn - 29:47Reed Sheppard- 30:54Stephon Castle - 32:49

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin dive into Egor Demin’s impressive debut performance for BYU, where he recorded 18 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds in the Cougars’ win over Central Arkansas. Barlowe and Thulin break down Demin’s playmaking and floor vision, discussing whether he showed the potential to be a full-time NBA point guard. Barlowe particularly emphasizes that Demin made the right choice in committing to BYU, a program that fits his skill set and maximizes his strengths. He contrasts this with other top prospects who, in his view, have not chosen schools that best showcase their NBA attributes. The hosts also explore Demin’s draft range and his potential fit with the Utah Jazz, noting the Jazz’s familiarity with Demin and his local college ties as factors that could make him an intriguing option for the team if he’s available at their pick.

In this episode of the Locked On Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe, James Barlowe, and Leif Thulin dive deep into Tre Johnson’s 29-point performance against Ohio State, delivering a lively mix of praise and critique. Rafael and James were particularly impressed, labeling Johnson a “Professional Scorer” thanks to his polished shot-making and versatility on offense. They highlighted his debut as a strong indication of his potential at the next level. Leif, however, offered a different take, raising concerns about Johnson’s shot selection and questioning whether Texas’s offensive system might be impacting his decision-making. The trio dissected a range of related topics, including Texas’s offensive structure, Johnson’s ability to hit tough shots, and potential NBA comparisons that reflect his game. They also debated Johnson’s ceiling as an NBA prospect, even discussing whether he could break into the top five of the 2025 NBA Draft. To wrap things up, the hosts graded his performance, giving listeners a balanced view of where Johnson stands after his standout college debut.

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe dive into the standout performances from opening night of the 2024-25 college basketball season, focusing on some of the top freshmen. They kick things off with Cooper Flagg, who impressed with an 18-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist outing in Duke’s win over Maine. They also discuss Duke teammate Kon Knueppel’s impact, as he dropped 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.  In the second segment, the Barlowe brothers analyze Will Riley’s efficient 31-point performance for Illinois, followed by Asa Newell’s 26-point, 11-rebound, 3-block showing for Georgia, sparking a debate on Newell’s long-term NBA position as a 4 or a 5. Attention then shifts to Maryland’s Derik Queen, who dominated with a record-setting 22-point, 20-rebound performance, prompting a discussion on his ranking as a prospect, with James advocating for a top-10 spot. Finally, they close with Tre Johnson, who impressed with 29 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds against Ohio State, rounding out a promising night for this freshman class. Cooper Flagg - 2:23 Kon Kneuppel - 7:51 Will Riley - 14:07 Asa Newell - 16:50 Derik Queen - 24:09 Tre Johnson - 30:38

In Rookie Watch Volume 6 of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe dive into recent performances from the league’s standout rookies. Kicking things off, they spotlight Alex Sarr’s impressive showing against the Miami Heat, where Sarr’s poise and defensive presence turned heads. They then shift focus to Jared McCain, who exploded for a career-high performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, and discuss Zach Edey’s first career double-double, showcasing his rebounding and scoring impact. The second segment hones in on Reed Sheppard, as Rafael passionately advocates to “Free Reed Sheppard!” – promising to push this campaign until Sheppard gets more minutes. With veteran Fred Van Vleet struggling from the field, shooting only 28%, Rafael questions what more Sheppard needs to do to prove he deserves a bigger role. Finally, in the last segment, the Barlowe brothers discuss Jaylen Wells, making the case that he should replace Marcus Smart in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup. They believe Smart could be a better fit in Milwaukee, where his skills might add a needed spark.Alex Sarr - 1:54Zaccharie Risacher - 8:18Jared McCain - 12:48Zach Edey - 15:16Reed Sheppard - 16:30Jaylen Wells - 26:40

In Rookie Watch Vol. 5 on the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe dig into the early ups and downs of this season’s rookie class. They kick off with No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, dissecting his recent shooting woes after a tough 1-9 night against the Kings. Rafael points out that despite getting open looks courtesy of Trae Young, Risacher has struggled to convert, shooting just 25% on catch-and-shoot jumpers and an eye-catching 36% on layups. The duo then highlights Tristan da Silva’s efficient 17-point effort, where he took advantage of added minutes with Paolo Banchero out. Ron Holland’s shot consistency is another talking point, with Holland scoring efficiently in the paint (77.8%) but hitting only 1-11 on jumpers. The brothers also dive into Tidjane Salaun’s confident shot selection, Donovan Clingan’s potential as a rebounding force with more minutes, and round out the episode with insights on rookies Yves Missi, AJay Mitchell, Dillon Jones, Ja’Kobe Walter’s NBA debut, and the Raptors’ intriguing rookie class. Zaccharie Risacher - 2:03 Keaton Wallace - 8:21 Tristan da Silva - 11:12 Tristan da Silva - 12:32 Ron Holland - 15:43 Tidjane Salaun - 23:25 Donovan Clingan - 28:16 Yves Missi - 31:26 OKC Rookies - 33:46 Ja’Kobe Walter - 34:41

In the latest episode of Locked On NBA Big Board - Rookie Watch Vol. 4, Rafael and James Barlowe dive deep into the recent developments among this season’s NBA rookies.The Barlowe brothers kick things off by spotlighting Ryan Dunn’s surprising emergence as a three-point threat. Rafael and James discuss Dunn’s reputation as a shaky shooter in college and debate if this shooting leap could have made him a legitimate contender for the No. 1 pick had it shown up earlier in his game.In the second segment, the attention shifts to Jaylen Wells, who impressed with a solid first start, putting up 16 points and 7 boards. James argues that Wells might deserve the starting spot permanently, potentially even taking minutes from Marcus Smart, who’s struggled to settle in.The conversation then moves to Zach Edey, along with some praise for Kyle Filipowski’s recent strong play over the last two games. Rafael points out that Filipowski’s minutes hinge on his ability to perform consistently. By contrast, Rafael notes that Cody Williams, another Jazz rookie, will likely get developmental minutes to gain experience despite a slower start and some noticeable hesitancy.To wrap up, they cover Stephon Castle’s recent game and the challenges Reed Sheppard faces in finding minutes. With Fred Van Vleet logging heavy playing time at 37 minutes per game, Sheppard’s path to consistent floor time remains crowded.Ryan Dunn - 2:25Could Ryan Dunn have been the No. 1 pick if he showed this type of shooting and offensive confidence in college? - 5:39Jaylen Wells - 11:25Should Wells be the starter going forward? - 12:14What did NBA teams miss on Jaylen Wells? - 16:07Zach Edey - 20:24Kyle Filipowski - 24:08Cody Williams - 25:47Kyle Filipowski making most of his opportunity - 28:08Stephon Castle - 31:59Reed Sheppard - 32:46Rookie of the Night - 34:15