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

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 Richardson5:35 – Kam Jones8:13 – Kam Jones vs. Donovan Dent13:40 – Auburn & Johni Broome17:20 – Tahaad Pettiford18:46 – Danny Wolf24:57 – Ryan Kalkbrenner28:51 – John Poulakidas31:01 – Drake Powell & Ian JacksonSupport 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.