In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin break down the top NBA prospects in the South region of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, analyzing how strong performances could impact their draft stock. Leif starts by making the case for Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson as the top prospect in the region, comparing him to a younger version of Marquette’s Kam Jones. The discussion then shifts to the anticipated matchup between Jones and New Mexico’s Donovan Dent, with Leif and Rafael highlighting Dent as an underrated prospect who could significantly boost his stock. They also examine Jones’ development and his role as Marquette’s offensive engine. Despite earning the No. 1 overall seed after playing one of the toughest schedules in NCAA history, Auburn enters the tournament struggling, losing three of its last four games. Rafael and Leif discuss Johni Broome’s role in Auburn’s Final Four aspirations while also debating his NBA draft outlook, with Leif hesitant to place him in the first round. The conversation continues with Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford, one of the few first-year players making a major impact on a contending team, followed by an analysis of Michigan’s Danny Wolf, a unique prospect generating first-round buzz. Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, is also highlighted ahead of his early-round matchup against Louisville. The duo then shifts to Yale’s John Poulakidas, whom Rafael considers the best shooter in the country. Poulakidas was instrumental in Yale’s upset over Auburn last year, and with another first-round matchup against Texas A&M, he has an opportunity to spark another Ivy League Cinderella run. The episode wraps up with a discussion on North Carolina’s Drake Powell and Ian Jackson, two freshman prospects who began the season with first-round buzz but have struggled to live up to expectations. A strong NCAA Tournament could help solidify their draft case.

Time Stamps:
2:07 – Jase Richardson
5:35 – Kam Jones
8:13 – Kam Jones vs. Donovan Dent
13:40 – Auburn & Johni Broome
17:20 – Tahaad Pettiford
18:46 – Danny Wolf
24:57 – Ryan Kalkbrenner
28:51 – John Poulakidas
31:01 – Drake Powell & Ian Jackson

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