UNC vs. Duke: Harrison Barnes and Players Guaranteed to Boost 2012 Draft Stock

While the North Carolina vs. Duke matchup on Saturday night will be hugely important for the teams as a whole, it will also be big for several individual players as well.

It's no secret that quite a few players on each team stand to make a lot of money by being drafted into the NBA. Their focus will be on the task at hand during the game, but there is sure to be quite a few scouts in the stands at what is one of the marquee games of the season. For the stars playing in the game, having a good outing will not only help their team in an effort to pick up a win, but it will boost their own individual stock too.

Here are three players that are sure to help their 2012 NBA draft stock with strong outings on Saturday. 

Harrison Barnes

On a team full of stars, forward Harrison Barnes has arguably been the Tar Heels' best player this season. He is averaging 17.4 points and five rebounds per game, and he is one of the team's only outside threats, with a three-point percentage of nearly 40 percent. Barnes had one of his best games of the season when these two teams met about a month ago, pouring in 25 points and shot 50 percent from the field in 35 minutes.

If North Carolina is going to get its revenge in this game, then Barnes must come up huge once again. He is a true inside-out threat who can score from any place on the floor. It was actually a bit of a surprise that he decided to return for his sophomore season, but it's tough to envision him coming back to UNC again next season. If he has another great outing against Duke, he will likely solidify himself as a lottery pick. 

Austin Rivers

As one of the most-hyped freshmen to enter the college game in quite some time, Duke guard Austin Rivers certainly hasn't disappointed. Rivers is leading the Blue Devils in scoring with over 15 points per game, and he is a gunner from beyond the arc. Also, when he isn't scoring, he is setting up his teammates. You could argue that Rivers was the sole reason why the Blue Devils were able to overcome a double-digit deficit to beat the Tar Heels in their first meeting.

He had his best game of the season by far against North Carolina with 29 points, including six three-pointers made. Rivers already has good size at 6'4", 200 lbs, and he will only get bigger. Even though he hasn't fully matured, he is dominating at the highest level of collegiate play, so he is definitely ready for the NBA. It wouldn't be a shock if he stayed at Duke, but if he declares then he may be the No. 1 overall pick. 

John Henson

While a lot of the attention goes to Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller when it comes to the Tar Heels, John Henson is an integral player as well. He is averaging a double-double with over 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. He can be a defensive force inside as well, as evidenced by his three blocks per contest. Henson has the length that scouts look for at 6'11", but he has to grow into his frame more, as he weighs just 220 lbs.

Henson is only a junior, so he could conceivably stay in college for another year, but if he has a strong game against Duke, there wouldn't be much reason for him to stick around. Teams are always looking for dominant post players, and Henson has been exactly that for the past couple years. If he is able to put on some bulk, then he is certain to be an early pick.