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 - 1:54

Zaccharie Risacher - 8:18

Jared McCain - 12:48

Zach Edey - 15:16

Reed Sheppard - 16:30

Jaylen 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 - 2:25

Could Ryan Dunn have been the No. 1 pick if he showed this type of shooting and offensive confidence in college? - 5:39

Jaylen Wells - 11:25

Should Wells be the starter going forward? - 12:14

What did NBA teams miss on Jaylen Wells? - 16:07

Zach Edey - 20:24

Kyle Filipowski - 24:08

Cody Williams - 25:47

Kyle Filipowski making most of his opportunity - 28:08

Stephon Castle - 31:59

Reed Sheppard - 32:46

Rookie of the Night - 34:15

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin dive deep into the North Carolina Tar Heels’ roster, focusing on the highly anticipated freshmen, Drake Powell and Ian Jackson. Despite the buzz around them as NBA prospects, Barlowe and Thulin discuss how both Powell and Jackson may face limited roles this season, with a real possibility of coming off the bench. The hosts analyze whether North Carolina is the best environment for them to showcase their potential as one-and-done candidates, questioning if the program will allow them to maximize their skill sets for the NBA.

The discussion then shifts to sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau, who’s working to improve his draft stock after struggling with his shooting last season, where he hit just 18% from beyond the arc. Leif shares concerns about Cadeau’s NBA future, citing his lack of size and shooting as major obstacles to his pro potential.

In the final segment, they evaluate senior R.J. Davis, who boasts a decorated college career as the ACC Player of the Year but faces his own NBA challenges due to his size. To wrap up, the hosts debate UNC’s chances of competing with Duke and how many first-round prospects might realistically emerge from this Tar Heels roster. A can’t-miss episode for anyone following UNC’s NBA-bound talent!

Freshman NBA prospects - 2:38

Drake Powell - 2:49

Seth Trimble - 4:40

Drake Powell - 5:28

Ian Jackson - 13:18

Elliot Cadeau - 20:06

RJ Davis - 27:38

How many first round picks on UNC’s roster? 33:44

In this episode of Locked on NBA Big Board, the Barlowe brothers, Rafael and James, analyze the latest rookie performances from the 2024 NBA Draft class. They start with a deep dive into the matchup between the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks, where French rookies Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr squared off. Sarr made his presence felt defensively, recording four blocks, a steal, and nine points, despite struggling offensively. Risacher, meanwhile, impressed with a career-high 17 points.

Washington’s Bub Carrington stole the show, earning “Rookie of the Night” honors for the second episode in a row, with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Fellow Wizards rookie Kyshawn George also contributed with 11 points and four assists in his start.

In the second segment, the Barlowe brothers focus on Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell, who’s surprising role with the Thunder. Mitchell scored 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists in OKC’s win over the San Antonio Spurs. They then discuss Stephon Castle’s struggles and evolving role with the Spurs due to his limited shooting.

Memphis rookie Zach Edey showed efficiency against the Nets and the host cover his fluctuating minutes, and fellow Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells continues to find minutes, though his role may change once the team is healthy. Donovan Clingan stayed productive for the Blazers, putting up seven points and six boards in limited minutes.

The Barlowe brothers also cover Toronto’s rookies, highlighting Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mobo’s solid contributions. Shead leads all rookies in assists this season, dishing out nine against the Hornets. Sixers rookie Jared McCain had his best game of the season in a loss to the Pistons, where he matched up against Ron Holland.

Wrapping up, they discuss Lakers rookies Dalton Knecht, who scored 18 points in a tough loss, and Bronny James, who recorded his first career basket in his hometown of Cleveland.

Zaccharie Risacher vs Alex Sarr 2 - 1:37

Zaccharie Risacher - 2:03

Alex Sarr - 4:35

Bub Carrington - 7:21

Kyshawn George - 10:23

What’s wrong with Wemby? 13:29

Ajay Mitchell - 14:54

Stephon Castle - 17:11

Zach Edey - 19:45

Jaylen Wells - 22:40

Donovan Clingan - 23:22

Ron Holland - 25:01

Jared McCain - 26:16

Jonathan Mogbo - 28:00

Jamal Shead - 28:51

Dalton Knecht - 31:06

Bronny James - 32:07

Rookie of the night - 33:58

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin dive deep into the new era of Kentucky basketball under head coach Mark Pope, who has replaced the legendary John Calipari. Known for his one-and-done talent pipeline to the NBA, Calipari helped shape Kentucky into a powerhouse that churned out 50 NBA draft picks, including 25 lottery selections over his 15-year tenure.

But this season, the Wildcats look different. Pope has constructed one of Kentucky’s most experienced rosters ever, relying on veteran transfers and seasoned players instead of projected first-round picks. Rafael and Leif break down how this transformation signals a shift in Kentucky’s identity, with a lineup that includes high-impact transfers like Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Amari Williams.

As the duo analyzes what Kentucky’s new approach could mean for the Wildcats’ season and beyond, they discuss how Pope’s transfer-heavy strategy could impact Kentucky’s play style, NCAA tournament prospects, and future recruiting.

Join Rafael and Leif as they explore whether Kentucky’s pivot from NBA-ready talent to veteran leadership will pay off and if this marks the start of a long-term evolution for Big Blue Nation.

Calipari’s Legacy - 3:41

Will Kentucky have a first round pick?

Jaxson Robinson - 5:12

Fans reaction to change of philosophy? 6:21

Expectations for 2024-25 - 8:23

Jaxson Robinson - 11:43

Collin Chandler - 17:00

Kobe Brea - 20:20

Travis Perry - 24:02

Amari Williams - 25:34

Brandon Garrison - 28:23

Otega Oweh - 30:03

In Rookie Watch Vol. 2, Rafael and James Barlowe analyze Monday night’s rookie performances, opening with the highly anticipated but ultimately underwhelming matchup between top picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. The French duo struggled, combining for just 4-19 shooting with nine fouls, raising questions about Sarr’s shot selection and his tendency to settle for threes rather than attacking the paint.

The brothers debate whether Sarr’s issues are due to Washington’s lackluster point guard play and revisit his choice to force his way to the Wizards over a potential fit with the Hawks.

They then tackle Reed Sheppard’s dwindling minutes, analyze Stephon Castle’s clutch-time usage despite turnovers, and continue comparing Castle’s game to Brandon Roy. Donovan Clingan’s efficiency, Zach Edey’s newfound three-point attempts, and Jaylen Wells’ emergence in Memphis are also on the agenda.

The episode wraps with a rundown of the night’s standout rookies, with Bub Carrington earning “rookie of the night” honors, and an update on the current rookie stat leaders.

Risacher vs Sarr - 1:45

Zaccharie Risacher - 2:30

Alex Sarr - 3:15

Zaccharie Risacher - 9:23

Reed Sheppard - 13:08

Stephon Castle - 15:22

Ron Holland - 17:39

Donovan Clingan - 18:03

Zach Edey - 19:45

Jaylen Wells - 20:58

Cody Williams - 22:26

Matas Buzelis - 23:38

Kel'el Ware - 23:51

Kyshawn George - 24:16

Dalton Knecht - 26:00

Ryan Dunn - 26:11

Raptors Rookies - 27:45

Jamal Shead - 28:33

Bub Carrington - 29:21