On the latest Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin previewed some of the top games to watch over the weekend and the prospects to keep an eye on. They kicked things off with Friday night’s marquee matchup between Duke and Arizona, highlighting key players like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, and what they’re looking to see from each. The discussion then shifted to VJ Edgecombe, who has struggled early this season, with Rafael and Leif debating how he might fare against Tennessee’s tough defense. JT Toppin, off to a fantastic start this year, was also identified as a player they’ll be watching closely. Other prospects discussed included Ryan Kalkbrenner, who is shooting a scorching 89% from the field and looking to sustain his hot streak, Tre Johnson, who aims to rebound from a rough shooting night against Syracuse, and Kam Jones, fresh off a triple-double performance, with the hosts analyzing his emerging playmaking skills ahead of his matchup against Georgia.

Timestamps:

• Cooper Flagg: 3:02
• Maluach vs. Krivas: 12:48
• Kon Knueppel: 16:14
• VJ Edgecombe: 17:20
• JT Toppin: 19:57
• Ryan Kalkbrenner: 21:53
• Tre Johnson: 26:11
• Kam Jones: 27:49

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

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