• Age Question Marks & Elite Potential: Could Mohamed Dabone Be the Best NBA Prospect in the World?
    Oct 1 2024

    On this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Alec Kichian dive into the mystery surrounding Barcelona's rising star, Mohamed Dabone. Officially listed as being born in 2011, many speculate that Dabone might actually be closer to 15 or 16, with some sources suggesting a birth year of 2008. This discrepancy has fueled debate about his long-term development trajectory and whether his age impacts his status as a prospect. Despite the questions, Barlowe and Kichian discuss whether Dabone could be the best long-term NBA prospect in the world, highlighting his elite vertical athleticism, rim protection, and physical upside, while acknowledging areas for improvement like his shooting and physicality. Ultimately, the hosts agree that if Dabone continues on his current path, his potential to become a dominant two-way player is immense.

    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.

    Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

    🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONBABigBoard?sid=YouTube

    Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

    🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

    #NBADraft #NBA #NBAMockDraft #MockDraft #NBABigBoard #NBACombine

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    35 mins
  • Boogie Fland Scouting Report: Is he Arkansas' best NBA prospect?
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe take a deep dive into Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland’s journey to the NBA draft. The brothers also explore his decision to join Arkansas and how he fits within their system, given their deep backcourt rotation.

    In the second segment, Rafael and James break down Fland’s on-court strengths. They discuss his creative scoring ability, shifty ball-handling, and his effectiveness as both a playmaker and shooter. Fland’s effortless shooting stroke, combined with his court vision and ability to play both guard spots, makes him a unique offensive weapon. Finally, the episode rounds out with a discussion of Fland's areas for growth—his thin frame, questionable shot selection, and whether he can develop into a full-time point guard. The Barlowe brothers draw comparisons to Mo Williams game and Rob Dillingham's college trajectory and question if Fland could follow a similar path to NBA stardom, despite not being the primary ball-handler.

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    33 mins
  • The Underdog Diaries Vol. 2: Money Williams, Chaz Lanier and Joe Charles
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode of The Underdog Diaries, Rafael and James Barlowe shine a spotlight on three overlooked NBA prospects who have the potential to break through to the next level. First up is Montana's Money Williams, a crafty left-handed guard out of Oakland with a game full of creative playmaking and advanced court vision. Despite a foot injury reminiscent of Damian Lillard’s college days, Williams showed flashes of brilliance before going down, averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his six starts. His ability to shift speeds and finish through contact makes him a unique prospect, but questions remain about his lack of vertical explosiveness and below-average catch-and-shoot ability.

    Next, they discuss Tennessee transfer Chaz Lanier, a deep-range shooting threat with shades of Isaiah Joe in his game. Lanier excels as a shooter on the move, using crafty footwork to create space. While his low release and limited off-the-dribble creation are concerns, his ability to knock down shots from deep and be a vertical lob threat off backdoor cuts make him an intriguing role player. Finally, they highlight Joe Charles, a 6'9" forward from McNeese State who fits the coveted 3&D mold. Charles boasts impressive defensive instincts and solid shooting mechanics, but his flat-footed release and slim frame raise questions about his ability to translate his game to the next level. All three players embody the underdog spirit, and this episode uncovers the potential they have to rise in the 2024 NBA Draft.

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    33 mins
  • The Underdog Diaries Vol. 1: Jerry Deng, St. Joe's duo of Erik Reynolds II and Rasheer Fleming
    Sep 28 2024

    On this rare Saturday episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, the Barlowe Brothers—Rafael and James—unveil the first installment of their new series, "THE UNDERDOG DIARIES," where they shine a light on under-the-radar prospects. In episode one, they dive into the journeys of Jerry Deng, Erik Reynolds II, and Rasheer Fleming. Deng, a 6'9" wing, averaged 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds on impressive 46/39/79 shooting splits during his season at Hampton University before transferring to Florida State. Can he handle the jump from the CAA to the ACC? Meanwhile, Reynolds, a 6'2" sharpshooter, led Saint Joseph’s with 17.3 points per game last season and stuck with the Hawks despite opportunities to transfer for a bigger payday. Can he prove to NBA scouts that he's more than just a scorer and has the court vision to play point guard at the next level? Lastly, the brothers debate the future of Fleming, a versatile forward whom Rafael projects as a 2025 first-round pick. Despite his talent, they discuss whether his production matches his skill set and whether he’s better suited as a 4 or 5 in the NBA.

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    34 mins
  • NBL Next Stars Spotlight: Alex Toohey, Lachlan Olbrich, Rocco Zikarsky, & Karim Lopez
    Sep 27 2024

    In the latest episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman break down some of the most exciting NBL prospects in the Next Star Program, with a focus on Alex Toohey, Lachlan Olbrich, Rocco Zikarsky, and Karim Lopez. They dive into Alex Toohey’s decision to stay home with the Sydney Kings for his second NBL season, bypassing his Gonzaga commitment, and highlight his potential as a versatile wing with an eye on the 2025 NBA Draft. Olbrich’s breakout season in the NZ NBL, where he won MVP and Grand Final MVP, is a key talking point, as they explore his potential to make a significant impact with the Illawarra Hawks and elevate his NBA draft stock. Barlowe and Stayman also discuss Rocco Zikarsky, the 7'3" Queenslander with remarkable rim protection and lob-catching ability, emphasizing how his second season with the Brisbane Bullets will be crucial for his long-term NBA aspirations. The episode closes with a spotlight on Karim Lopez, the youngest of the bunch, who arrives at the New Zealand Breakers with enormous potential. They touch on his international experience playing in Spain and representing Mexico, suggesting that while Lopez may be a longer-term project, he could follow in the footsteps of past Breakers Next Stars like RJ Hampton and Ousmane Dieng.

    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.

    Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧

    https://link.chtbl.com/LONBABigBoard?sid=YouTube

    Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧

    https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

    #NBADraft #NBA #NBAMockDraft #MockDraft #NBABigBoard #NBACombine

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    38 mins
  • Rafael & James vs. NBA Scouts: Reactions to Scouts' Opinions on 2025 Draft Class
    Sep 26 2024

    On the latest episode of the NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe dive into the early scout intel on top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. They share their thoughts on Cooper Flagg, who’s living up to the hype, and VJ Edgecombe, who scouts believe could crack the top five if he has a strong season. They also discuss mixed opinions on Dylan Harper, with some scouts questioning his athleticism while raving about his teammate, Ace Bailey. The duo also breaks down the potential of Khaman Maluach and Liam McNeeley, as well as the productive, yet undersized, Collin Murray-Boyles. Tune in for their take on how these prospects are shaping up for the 2025 Draft!

    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. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧

    https://link.chtbl.com/LONBABigBoard?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #NBADraft #NBA #NBAMockDraft #MockDraft #NBABigBoard #NBACombine

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    36 mins
  • Breaking Down Early Performances: Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue & Hugo Gonzalez's DNP-CD
    Sep 25 2024

    In this episode, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Alec Kichian dive into the opening performances of top international NBA draft prospects, including Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue, and Hugo Gonzalez. The discussion kicks off with Nolan Traore's rough season debut for Saint-Quentin in the LNB Pro A, where the projected top-5 pick struggled mightily against reigning champions AS Monaco, finishing with just 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting and multiple turnovers. Rafael and Alec explore how this tough opener impacts Traore's draft stock and what adjustments he needs to make moving forward.

    Next up, the conversation shifts to Ratiopharm Ulm teammates Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue. Saraf dazzled in his debut, dropping 21 points and showing off his aggressive downhill style and three-level scoring. Essengue contributed with an efficient 15 points and showcased his defensive versatility, raising his stock as a potential two-way NBA forward. The hosts break down their standout performances and what this means for their development.

    In the final segment, the spotlight turns to Real Madrid prospect Hugo Gonzalez, who didn’t play in his team’s opener. Rafael and Alec discuss whether Gonzalez would have benefited from going the NCAA route for more playing time and exposure, and debate the challenges young prospects face when developing in powerhouse European clubs.

    To close out the show, the hosts introduce an exciting new name in the prospect pipeline: Jeremy Gohier, a 7'3" 13-year-old phenom from Canada. Rafael and Alec give early thoughts on Gohier’s potential and what makes him a player to watch in the coming years. They speculate on his developmental path and how the NBA might track his growth given his incredible size and raw talent at such a young age.

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    34 mins
  • Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, and the Big Stage: Can They Lift Rutgers to the to the NCAA Tournament?
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe dive deep into the expectations surrounding Rutgers’ elite freshmen duo, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and debate whether they can lead Rutgers to the NCAA tournament. James raises concerns about Bailey's shot selection, pointing out his tendency to settle for difficult shots. Meanwhile, Rafael counters by emphasizing Bailey's immense upside, arguing that his ability to carry his high school team to a state championship—and choosing to play public school basketball over stacked prep schools—proves he has the makings of a special player who knows how to step up in big moments. They also discuss the growing comparisons between Dylan Harper and Knicks' All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, with some scouts viewing Harper as a bigger, more versatile version of the crafty playmaker. Tune in as the Barlowe brothers debate whether the hype around Bailey and Harper aligns with the realities of leading Rutgers to success in the ultra-competitive Big Ten.

    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.

    Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

    🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONBABigBoard?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

    🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #NBADraft #NBA #NBAMockDraft #MockDraft #NBABigBoard #NBACombine

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    34 mins