In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Leif Thulin challenge the growing consensus that VJ Edgecombe is the superior prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. While most boards have Edgecombe projected to go higher, Rafael and Leif lay out their reasoning for why they believe Jeremiah Fears is the better long-term player. The duo dives into each prospect’s strengths, contrasting Fears’ polish and feel with Edgecombe’s athleticism and explosiveness, and explain why their evaluation process leads them away from popular opinion. Rafael shares a balanced perspective on both players, but the episode builds toward a rapid-fire close, where he asks Leif to pick between the two for every team selecting between picks 4 and 9.

⏱️ Time‑Stamped Highlights

1:30 – Leaf explains why he ranks Jeremiah Fears over VJ Edgecombe: underscoring his high basketball IQ, shooting consistency, and floor-first value.
3:20 – Discussion of the biggest differences: Fears’s cerebral style and shooting vs. Edgecombe’s dynamic athleticism and upside.
9:39 – Rafael and Leaf unpack why consensus leans toward Edgecombe, citing his elite burst and highlight potential.
17:03 – A scout chimes in, explaining why Edgecombe is seen as an easier plug‑and‑play option, whereas Fears demands you commit to building around him.
18:23 – They debate whether the high-end comparisons—Anthony Edwards, Victor Oladipo, Dwyane Wade—are fair for Edgecombe.
23:16 – In rapid‑fire draft mode, Rafael asks Leaf: who wins the pick from spots 4–9? Leaf locks in on Jeremiah Fears, emphasizing stability and fit.

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