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