College Basketball: NBA Comparisons for Anthony Davis and 20 NCAA Stars

College basketball's biggest stars such as Anthony Davis and Harrison Barnes grew up patterning their game after current and former NBA stars. Fans and media members alike love to make comparisons to which star's skill set resembles an athlete at the professional level.

Because of these comparisons, heated arguments are held all across America each and every day. 

Some of these stars have games that seem tailored to match former NBA players, while others emulate current athletes terrorizing arenas around the country.

While not all of these college standouts are destined for greatness at the next level of basketball, many of them are suited to become quality starters and rotation players for their future franchises.

Sit back and enjoy the list of 21 NCAA stars and their NBA likenesses.

Anthony Davis, Kentucky

2011-2012 Statistics: 13.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.7 blocks

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 220 pounds

NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby/Kenyon Martin/Chris Bosh

Analysis:

The gangling Kentucky star is using his freshman season to tantalize NBA scouts with the immense potential he possesses. He has the rare shot-blocking ability of Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin but owns the lengthy frame of Chris Bosh. I see him projecting as a better professional prospect than all three. At 6'11", he has the athletic build to control the interior but has the ball handling skills and soft touch to step out on the perimeter.

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

2011-2012 Statistics: 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 220 pounds

NBA Comparison: Luol Deng/Kobe Bryant

Analysis

As you can see, comparing Harrison Barnes to contrasting talents Luol Deng and Kobe Bryant is a bit puzzling. Here's the explanation. The 6'7" shooting guard/small forward has the drive to succeed and work ethic of Kobe, but it's all up to him to develop the Kobe Bryant killer instinct on the court. If he does, he could be a deadly professional player. If he doesn't become more aggressive, he will play in the mold of the former Duke star.

Dion Waiters, Syracuse

2011-2012 Statistics: 12.3 points, 2.6 assists, 2.3 steals

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 215 pounds

NBA Comparison: DeShawn Stevenson

Analysis

What sets Dion Waiters apart from many other players in the NCAA right now is his explosive ability to score. At any moment, the powerfully built 6'4" shooting guard could explode for a 20-point game. He's also still a very young and raw prospect, only being a sophomore. He is picking up a lot of interest from professional teams this season.

Will Barton, Memphis

2011-2012 Statistics: 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 170 pounds

NBA Comparison: Penny Hardaway

Analysis:

Whether you agree or disagree with this, the comparisons really aren't that far off. They both are lanky guards. The 6'6" current Tiger is on target to become the first Memphis guard to lead the team in rebounding since Penny did it in the 1992-1993 season. Right now what he needs to improve on is his ball handling. If he ever becomes good enough in that department to handle at least part-time point guard duties in the NBA, my comparison will make plenty of sense.

Terrence Ross, Washington

2011-2012 Statistics: 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 200 pounds

NBA Comparison: Wes Johnson

Analysis:

The 6'6" scoring guard is enjoying a breakout sophomore season. He has the length and athleticism of the former Syracuse star. However, he already is physically stronger than Johnson. He also is more explosive. Once he gets to the NBA, he will routinely be one of the league's most dangerous finishers. He also has a dangerous first step.

John Henson, North Carolina

2011-2012 Statistics: 14.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 blocks

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 220 pounds

NBA Comparison: Brandan Wright

Analysis:

John Henson compares favorably to former North Carolina Tar Heel Brandan Wright. They both have incredibly long wingspans, excellent shot blocking skills and lack shooting from the outside. They also both spent their time in Chapel Hill lacking muscle definition. I see the 6'11", 220-pound Henson struggling to fit in at the NBA level unless he packs on at least 20-25 pounds of muscle.

Thomas Robinson, Kansas

2011-2012 Statistics: 17.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 240 pounds

NBA Comparison: Elton Brand

Analysis:

The 6'10" Kansas Jayhawks star uses his superior physique to dominate opponents at the college level. That's not all he uses, however. He plays with heart that very few athletes at the college level play with. He has vastly improved his arsenal of post moves, and I see him continuing to improve once he gets to the NBA next year. 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

2011-2012 Statistics: 13.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 blocks

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 215 pounds

NBA Comparison: Scottie Pippen

Analysis:

The freshman star compares favorably to the former Bulls star. While he doesn't woo you with any exceptionally spectacular skill, he does everything well. He doesn't possess the size that Pippen had, but at 6'7", he has a lengthy wingspan to match. One area where he will make a mark in the NBA is on the defensive end. Don't be surprised if his specialty at the next level is as a defensive stopper.

Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

2011-2012 Statistics: 17.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 185 pounds

NBA Comparison: Reggie Miller/Richard Hamilton

Analysis: 

The 6'5" Connecticut star has good size for the shooting guard position. What makes him even more appealing is his ridiculously long wingspan. He is a very good shooter who excels working off the ball. He also has a strong work ethic, which will ultimately decide which comparison at the next level pans out. His one obvious weakness is his lack of strength, but that can be easily fixed.

Perry Jones III, Baylor

2011-2012 Statistics: 14.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 235 pounds

NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady

Analysis:

The comparison to McGrady will be accurate if he slides over to a more natural small forward position at the next level. The 6'11", 235-pound Baylor star has been grinding away at power forward for the Bears, but his developing shooting ability can ultimately let him slide to more of a perimeter position in the NBA. He needs to work on moving without the ball, but his rebounding ability is already excellent for a 3-man.

Tu Holloway, Xavier

2011-2012 Statistics: 16.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 185 pounds

NBA Comparison: Ty Lawson

Analysis:

While he doesn't have the blazing speed that the Denver Nuggets point guard has, he does have a similar build. He is built like a bull for a point guard, at a sturdy 6'0", 185 pounds. He is a clutch shooter and is excellent at picking his spots during the flow of a game. He's also not shy about getting his teammates involved when necessary. Don't be fooled though, when the time comes, he is more than capable of taking over a basketball game.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

2011-2012 Statistics: 17.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.0 assists

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 270 pounds

NBA Comparison: Kevin Love

Analysis:

The 6'9", 270 pound man-child Jared Sullinger is noticeably slimmer this season, and it has proved to make him more effective. However, the body type he was naturally born with might make him a better professional prospect. With a wide body built for bruising opponents in order to score and rebound below the rim, he could be very appealing to pro scouts. The fact that Kevin Love is dominating the NBA with the same frame could prove to be very helpful for him.

Tony Wroten, Washington

2011-2012 Statistics: 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 205 pounds

NBA Comparison: Tyreke Evans

Analysis:

The Seattle-born southpaw is terrorizing Pac-12 opponents this season. The 6'5" point guard has great size for the point-guard position at the pro level. He also possesses blazing speed that will benefit him in the ultra-fast NBA environment. He is an explosive athlete who also has court vision that many college and professional point guards can only dream of.

Terrence Jones, Kentucky

2011-2012 Statistics: 11.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 250 pounds

NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams

Analysis:

The 6'9" Kentucky sophomore's statistics are down this season, but don't let that fool you. He is surrounded by an extremely talented roster, and he should translate well to the next level. He is playing more aggressively this season and doing the little things for the Wildcats. His jump shot could use improvement if he wants to create matchup problems for power forwards in the NBA. Otherwise, he should prove to be an effective forward.

Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

2011-2012 Statistics: 14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals

Height: 7'0"

Weight: 250 pounds

NBA Comparison: Chris "Birdman" Andersen

Analysis:

The middle child of the extremely talented Zeller basketball family tree, Tyler is a great example of a "run-and-jump" athlete. He is very advanced at running the floor and soaring for dunks. He also is a proficient shot blocker. While many people forgot about the UNC star because of past injuries, this season is showing the world how effective of a player he is when healthy.

Bradley Beal, Florida

2011-2012 Statistics: 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 210 pounds

NBA Comparison: Ray Allen

Analysis:

It is scary how much the athletic St. Louis prospect's game resembles that of the Boston Celtics star. He possesses adequate size for the shooting guard position and he has a sweet shooting stroke. He is capable of hitting from anywhere inside the gym. He is equally deadly whether he is coming off of screens or pulling up on a dime. His athleticism is also above average, and he loves to throw down big dunks when the opportunities arise.

Scott Machado, Iona

2011-2012 Statistics: 13.1 points, 10.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 180 pounds

NBA Comparison: Poor Man's Chris Paul

Analysis:

The Iona senior is having a spectacular season. He is proving worthy of 2012 All-American status at this point in the season, and he is piquing NBA scouts' interest in the process. He is a tad short and is limited athletically, but there's no doubting his talent. He has consistently improved over the course of his career, and he knows how to play the point-guard position and make his teammates better in the process.

Quincy Miller, Baylor

2011-2012 Statistics: 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 210 pounds

NBA Comparison: Joe Johnson/Kevin Durant

Analysis: 

The freshman star is showing glimpses of his enormous potential while playing on one of the most frontcourt-loaded squads in the country. If he wasn't sharing minutes with Perry Jones III and Quincy Acy, his statistics would be a lot more impressive than they currently are. He has excellent shooting ability and ball handling skills for his size and is proving to be an effective rebounder as well. He also owns an incredibly long wingspan.

Maalik Wayns, Villanova

2011-2012 Statistics: 18.7 points, 4.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200 pounds

NBA Comparison: Terrell Brandon

Analysis: 

Another powerfully built point guard on the list, Philadelphia's Maalik Wayns is carrying a struggling Villanova team this season. He is showcasing his ability to penetrate at will while scoring in traffic. His distribution skills as well as his rebounding ability have improved since last season. He even appears to be more athletic this season, throwing down dunks instead of his usual layups.

Damian Lillard, Weber State

2011-2012 Statistics: 24.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 195 pounds

NBA Comparison: Eric Maynor

Analysis:

This small school star is looking to follow in the footsteps of another late-blooming point-guard prospect, former VCU standout Eric Maynor. The Weber State star has decent size to play point guard in the professional ranks. He also possesses a sturdy, lengthy frame. He is a scoring point guard with range all the way out past the NBA three-point line.

Cody Zeller, Indiana

2011-2012 Statistics: 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.5 steals

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 230 pounds

NBA Comparison: Chris Kaman/Josh McRoberts

Analysis:

The youngest Zeller brother is brimming with star potential. He is blessed with a 6'11" frame, yet has the mobility to run the floor as well as battle other big men in the paint. He is an athletic prospect who's star will only get bigger with more college seasoning. He has the potential to be a standout forward in the NBA if he puts on more weight and works on his jump shot.