Breaking Down the Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospects in the East Region

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman break down the top NBA draft prospects in the East region of the 2025 NCAA Tournament and how strong performances could boost their draft stock. They kick things off with Duke, discussing Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury and how his health could impact both Duke’s title hopes and the tournament as a whole. Flagg is expected to return for the first round, but the duo also evaluates Duke’s other NBA prospects, including Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Tyrese Proctor. The conversation then shifts to Alabama, the region’s No. 2 seed, and which Crimson Tide player has the best chance to improve his draft standing. They also highlight Robert Morris’s Alvaro Folgueiras, a sleeper prospect quietly putting up big numbers and earning NBA attention. Another key matchup in the region features BYU vs. VCU, where freshman lottery talent Egor Demin faces off against fifth-year senior Max Shulga, a potential matchup problem for BYU, especially with Demin’s minutes fluctuating late in the season. The discussion then turns to projected top-five pick VJ Edgecombe and his intriguing test against Mississippi State. The episode wraps up with Stayman sharing his thoughts on Arizona, where he believes Jaden Bradley has the best chance to elevate his draft stock with a strong tournament showing.2:00 – Cooper Flagg4:10 – Kon Knueppel5:15 – Khaman Maluach7:32 – Isaiah Evans15:15 – Alabama prospects16:57 – Alvaro Folgueiras20:25 – BYU vs. VCU / Egor Demin vs. Max Shulga23:12 – Egor Demin’s recent play24:43 – VJ Edgecombe26:55 – Arizona prospects / Jaden BradleySupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA. RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold.PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join. Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game!Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA5-Hour ENERGYHead to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized. UpworkVisit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free to connect with top talent and grow your business today!Door DashThey Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50. 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off)Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.