In this episode of Future Friday, Dillon and Dustin dive into one of the most intriguing prospects in the NBA Draft:Cedric Coward

. Known as the “man of mystery,” Coward’s game sparks debate, with Dillon taking a more cautious stance on his potential, while Dustin sees high upside.

Together, they break down:

• Coward’s biggest strengths and where he thrives on the court

• The key weaknesses that could impact his transition to the NBA

• How fit, role, and development could make or break his pro career

This episode gives listeners a balanced, thoughtful look at one of the Draft’s most polarizing players.

Dillon Sage discusses NBA draft prospect Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7'2", 257-pound center from Creighton, ranked as the 32nd prospect and 50th center. Sage emphasizes the importance of understanding the current draft class's big talent, especially small ball fives, and highlights Ryan Kalkbrenner's potential as a platoon center for elite teams. Kalkbrenner's impressive hands, shot-blocking, and rebounding abilities make him a valuable role player, capable of providing solid minutes off the bench. Sage compares Cochran to players like Hassan Whiteside and Walker Kessler, noting his ability to block shots and defend the paint despite not being a flashy player. With a limited number of traditional bigs in the draft, Sage believes Kalkbrenner could be a first-round pick and a valuable addition to teams needing a reliable center.

In the 409th edition of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage discuss Illinois combo guard Kasparas Jakučionis, a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. They go into detail on Kasparas Jakučionis's measurements, skills, and performance stats from his season at Illinois, discussing his potential as a lottery pick. The episode also examines Kasparas Jakučionis's strengths, including his rebounding, shooting, and ability to apply rim pressure, as well as his areas for improvement, like turnovers and ball handling. The discussion touches on his fit with the Portland Trail Blazers and his potential for growth in the NBA. They also briefly touch on other prospects and upcoming content in preparation for the draft. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Player Profile:Kasparas Jakučionis 04:13 Kasparas Jakučionis's Strengths and Skills 10:18 Concerns and Areas for Improvement 16:28 Comparisons and Potential 19:59 Draft Strategy and Final Thoughts 23:09 Closing Remarks and Future Content

Dillon Sage discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Noah Penda, a player from LA Man's French team, who is set to enter the draft at 20 years old. Weighing 225 pounds and standing between 6'6" and 6'8", Penda is examined in terms of his role and performance. Although categorized as a small forward, Sage argues that Penda is more suited as a power forward due to his athleticism and playstyle. While his three-point shooting is poor, Penda excels in passing, team defense, and making winning plays. Sage highlights Penda's potential as a valuable team-oriented player, drawing comparisons to Najee Marshall. Despite some defensive limitations, Penda's versatility makes him a strong first-round draft prospect.

Dillon Sage provides an in-depth analysis of Illinois freshman Will Riley, a versatile 6'9" shooting guard and small forward from Ontario, ranked 12th on ESPN's top 100. Sage discusses Riley's college performance, emphasizing his strengths as a cutter and a shooter while noting his struggles with shot selection, strength, and agility. Despite a poor max vert and lane agility, Riley impresses with his standing reach and playmaking abilities. Sage projects Riley's potential role in the NBA, particularly for teams like the Blazers. He highlights his offensive capabilities, need for role clarity, and potential to improve with better shot selection and strength training. Sage concludes by hinting at future analyses of other promising players.

Dustin and I talk about some burning questions about the 2025 NBA draft. 

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Labaron Philon, a point guard from Alabama. Standing 6'4" with a wingspan of 6'6", Philon is ranked 32nd in ESPN's Top 100. Though his vertical leap is subpar, his sprint speed, standing reach, and defensive capabilities stand out. His offense is inconsistent, marked by a 31% three-point shooting rate and a tendency to struggle to finish at the rim. Despite this, his playmaking abilities and defensive prowess make him a valuable prospect. Philon's defensive skills, intelligence, and willingness to do the dirty work are highlighted, suggesting that NBA teams would benefit from developing his balance and shooting skills. Sage ranks him highly due to his potential to be a great defending point guard and offensive conductor.

Dustin and I talk about Maryland's Derik Queen. We talk about the sky high potential and the real potential of him failing. 

In this episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, hosts Dustin and Sage discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' current situation and potential moves they could make during the NBA off-season. Topics include evaluating whether the team should package assets for a superstar player or let the current young core develop further. The hosts delve into several trade scenarios, analyzing players like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Domantas Sabonis, weighing their fit with the Blazers' existing roster and long-term plans. The episode also discusses the importance of drafting well, managing contracts wisely, and developing underutilized talent. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for innovative, strategic moves rather than high-risk trades.

In this episode, Dillon Sage analyzes NBA prospect Thomas Sorber, a 6'10" power forward/center with a 7'6" wingspan from Trent, New Jersey. Ranked 56th in ESPN's top 100 players, Sorber is noted for his 'bully ball' mentality, exceptional footwork, and defensive playmaking skills. His ability to finish around the rim, catch difficult passes, and potential for improved shooting and playmaking make him a promising candidate for the NBA. Sage compares Sorber to Wendell Carter and pre-injury Jusuf Nurkić and suggests that teams in need of a center, especially those picking between 10th and 20th, consider drafting Sorber.