NBA Mock Draft: Picking the Top 30 Players Among NCAA Tournament Participants

What if NBA teams could only select March Madness participants in the 2012 NBA Draft? 

The best college teams in the country are made up of some of the best college players in the nation. Some excellent players are stuck on teams that failed to make the cut. 

NBA front offices will be watching this year's NCAA tournament with eager curiosity, hoping to grab one more scouting report on coveted players. 

Here is what the first-round of the 2012 NBA Draft would look like if NBA teams could only choose from March Madness participants:

For your printable bracket for the 2012 NCAA tournament, click here

30. Chicago Bulls- Hollis Thompson, SF/ SG, Georgetown

The Chicago Bulls desperately need a shooting guard. Any capable perimeter player will do, just be able to shoot the ball.

Hollis Thompson plays primarily small forward for the Hoyas, but he shoots well enough to play multiple positions. 

He averaged nearly 13 points per game, and shot 44 percent beyond the arc this season. His long, 6'8'' frame allows him to get his shot off without much separation.

His faceup and perimeter game are NBA-ready, but he must get stronger if he wants to play down low. He has the height, but must bulk up to bang in the lane.

Thompson is experienced. He is used to facing top competition and would fit a major need for the Bulls. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder- Kevin Jones, PF/SF, West Virginia

The Thunder do not have any debilitating weaknesses on their team. Kendrick Perkins is the weakest link in the starting lineup, but it is not worth overdrafting a post player to replace him. 

That means the Thunder can take the best player on the board and use him for depth purposes until other needs arise.

Kevin Jones is a very underrated player for the Mountaineers. He averaged over 20 points per game and 11 rebounds per game this season.

Jones is a glass-eater because of Bob Huggins' system. He has a relentless motor with a solid all-around offensive game.

He can post up smaller forwards or step out and knock down jumpers.

The Thunder score a ton of points already. Jones' would add another shooter off the bench and a high-energy rebounder.  

28. Miami Heat- Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

The Miami Heat seem to have the right pieces in place. The missing link is at center. Joel Anthony just is not good. 

Ideally, Fab Melo falls to the Heat at No. 28, but I do not see that happening. Festus Ezeli is the next best option and not a bad option at all. 

Ezeli has been plagued by injuries this season, but still put up 10 points and five rebounds per game. 

He is the third option on a Commodore team featuring John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor. He understands how to defer to other players and knows how to fill a specific role on a skilled squad. 

Ezeli is a space-eater, who is capable of running the floor. He averaged two blocks per game this season and would enhance the Heat's stifling defense. 

27. San Antonio Spurs- Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State

The Spurs are aging fast. Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan are on the last legs of their careers and reinforcements are needed.

Gregg Popovich loves glue-guys with a team mentality. That epitomizes Draymond Green. 

There is nothing Green does not do for the Spartans. He averages a double-double to go with nearly four assists per game. On top of that, he is also a capable three-point shooter. 

Defensively, he blocks one shot per game and takes one ball away per game, as well.

In short, Green is a stat-sheet stuffer. He fills the box score across the board and is a leader in the locker room.

The Spurs will need new leaders once the original "Big Three" departs. Green is underrated and Popovich will gladly scoop him up.

26. Orlando Magic- Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Dwight Howard already has one foot out the door in Orlando. Whether by trade or free agency, Howard is probably going to play elsewhere next season. 

That leaves a gargantuan hole in the paint for the Magic. They will not be able to replace his offensive production right away, but they can try and soften the blow on the defensive end. 

Fab Melo has a very raw offensive game, but defensively he is NBA-ready. He protects the rim with his huge frame and blocks shots on a regular basis. 

The extent of his offensive game is transition buckets and easy dunks under the basket, but that could improve as he gains experience. 

The Magic are entering all-out rebuilding mode. Melo could be a solid piece in the paint. 

25. Los Angeles Lakers- Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas

The Los Angeles Lakers' point guard needs are well known. Steve Blake is a marginal talent and Darius Morris is still an unknown commodity. 

The best point guard available at No. 25 is Myck Kabongo. The Texas product is a pass-first, defensive point guard with a questionable shooting touch.

Kabongo averages just under 10 points per game for the Longhorns, but he does dish over five assists per game. Kabongo is also a documented pickpocket on the defensive end, averaging over one steal per game. 

The Lakers need a point guard to lead their offense and distribute the ball to their scorers. Kabongo could eventually be that guy.

24. Memphis Grizzlies- William Buford, SF/SG, Ohio State

The Memphis Grizzlies will probably lose O.J. Mayo to free agency in the offseason. The elite shooting guards are already off the board, but William Buford should not be overlooked. 

Buford is a big two-guard. He stands 6'6'' and uses his size to overpower smaller defenders. This allows him to work in the post or spot up from the outside. 

He has averaged double figures in each of his four seasons with the Buckeyes. He is also a capable defender, rebounder and distributor. 

Buford's size will allow him to play shooting guard or small forward. His versatility could earn him early minutes with the Grizzlies. 

23. Philadelphia 76ers- Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Before you say, wait who? Just hear me out. 

The 76ers need a presence in the paint. Elton Brand is overpaid and getting on in age. Spencer Hawes has potential but injuries have slowed him down and Nikola Vucevic and LaVoy Allen are still up in the air. 

Andrew Nicholson is the best forward no one has heard of. If you don't play for Xavier or Temple in the Atlantic-10, chances are you will go unnoticed. Nicholson is a Bonnie of St. Bonaventure. 

He has been a dominant interior force over his four-year career. He has averaged double figures all four years, including 18.4 points per game this season. 

Nicholson hauled down 8.5 rebounds per game this season and also rejected two shots per contest. 

Some will point to the level of competition as a reason for Nicholson's production, but just watch this kid play. He has a ton of talent and the motor to go with it. 

22. Indiana Pacers- Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke

The Indiana Pacers are very close to being a top contender in the Eastern Conference. Their defense is excellent and their offense is on the up-and-up. 

The Pacers' post game could use a boost. David West has been underwhelming and Roy Hibbert needs someone to draw attention.

Mason Plumlee's offensive repertoire needs some work, but he is an athletic post defender. He averaged close to a double-double and was a consistent shot-blocking threat on the Blue Devil defense. 

Plumlee still has room to grow on offense. He will improve and be an immediate asset to Frank Vogel's shutdown defense.

21. Boston Celtics- Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Boston Celtics need to get younger and fast. The "Big Three" have fizzled and Danny Ainge needs to find adequate replacements. 

Doron Lamb does not get the attention of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Anthony Davis for Kentucky.

But he is very talented in his own right. 

He averages around 13 points per game for Kentucky, but his all-around game lacks. He has a score-first mentality and could be very valuable playing next to pass-first point guard Rajon Rondo. 

Ray Allen will not be in Boston next season. Lamb is not the same caliber shooter, but he can plug right in to Boston's offense.

20. Atlanta Hawks- Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Josh Smith has never seemed all that happy in Atlanta and his time there could be dwindling. 

Vanderbilt's Jeffery Taylor would be a solid replacement for the high-flying forward. 

Taylor has averaged double figures in all four years for the Commodores. He is a consistent double-double threat with a solid passing game as well. Taylor creates mismatches because of his inside-out game. 

Defensively, Taylor's size allows him to defend multiple positions. He is an excellent perimeter defender.

The Hawks play an up-tempo game. Taylor would thrive in that scenario because of his versatile play and athleticism.

19. Denver Nuggets- Dion Waiters, SG/PG, Syracuse

The Denver Nuggets have their point guard of the future in Ty Lawson, but they need a two-guard to play alongside the roadrunner. 

Dion Waiters has been Syracuse's best player this season, coming off the bench. He is arguably the best sixth man in the country because of his all-around game and heady play on both ends of the floor.

Waiters averages just over 12 points per game. He is at his best when driving to the basket, but is a dangerous three-point shooter as well. 

He thrives in the open court. That works perfectly for Lawson's up-tempo point guard play. Waiters' passing game is still developing but he will be a solid combo guard at the next level. 

18. Dallas Mavericks- John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

The Dallas Mavericks have a capable, but old, backcourt. Jason Kidd played basketball when hoops were still peach baskets and Jason Terry is not too far behind. 

Both guards are very dangerous perimeter shooters and the Mavericks will miss their three-point production when they move on. 

So, why not draft the best three-point shooter college basketball has to offer?

Jenkins knocked down almost half of his three-point attempts this season. He averaged nearly 20 points per game, but did not contribute much elsewhere for the Commodores. 

Jenkins has the best shot in college basketball. His lightning-quick release is NBA-ready and he could provide instant offense off the bench on a veteran Dallas squad.

17. Boston Celtics- Cody Zeller, PF, Indiana

The Boston Celtics need replacements for aging forwards Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal. 

Cody Zeller is young, but has major upside as a power forward.

Zeller enjoyed a wonderful freshman season with the Hoosiers. He averaged over 15 points per game and snagged over six boards as well. He is strong in the paint and has excellent touch around the basket.

The Celtics will love the hard-working mentality Zeller brings to the court. He plays with maximum effort and does the dirty work when he needs to.

Zeller still has a lot of room to grow and Boston will be very happy with what he becomes.

16. New Jersey Nets- Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC

The New Jersey Nets should make Tyler Zeller the first Zeller off the board in 2012.

The ACC Player of the Year had a dominant season for the Tar Heels. He is frequently overlooked in favor of stronger, more athletic players.

But Zeller will enjoy a long NBA career.

He averaged close to a double-double and blocked more than one shot per game on defense. Zeller also has an uncanny ability to draw charges in the paint. This can be attributed to his focus and discipline down low. 

The Nets need a lot of help in the paint. Kris Humphries is a great rebounder, but will likely be let go in the offseason. They may land Dwight Howard, but it is never safe to throw all your eggs into one basket. 

Zeller may never reach star status, but he will be a solid forward for years to come.

15. New Orleans Hornets- Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

The New Orleans Hornets already claimed UConn center Andre Drummond with the No. 3 pick. Their second first-round selection now becomes a bit of a luxury.

The Hornets take Terrence Jones here. Jones has been an enigmatic figure over his two years playing under John Calipari. He has been outspoken and tends to disappear for lengths of time on the court. 

But that does not take away from Jones' enormous talent. He has a versatile offensive game for a 6'9'' forward. He can back a defender down or take his man outside and beat him off the dribble. He is also a dangerous marksman from outside. 

Jones has the potential to be a double-double machine.

If you can keep him motivated. 

14. Portland Trail Blazers- John Henson, PF, UNC

The Portland Trail Blazers need depth in the frontcourt. Marcus Camby and Craig Smith are both going to hit free agency and Greg Oden's health concerns cannot be overstated. 

John Henson looks like Stretch Armstrong on the court with his 'go-go' gadget-arms. Henson's rebounding and shot blocking are ready for the professional level today.

Henson's offensive game is still blooming. He uses his size to shoot over defenders down low and scores a lot of easy dunks and putbacks. He has a developing face-up game.

The Trail Blazers already have LaMarcus Aldridge up front. Henson would look very nice paired with Aldridge in Portland's paint. 

13. Utah Jazz- Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

The Jazz have the luxury of two first-round picks in the 2012 NBA Draft. After taking Quincy Miller with the No. 11 selection, the Jazz can address their biggest team need. 

Devin Harris is simply not cutting it as Utah's point guard. He is a score-first player, at his best when attacking the offense on his own.

The Jazz must replace him. Marquis Teague is the best point guard available. This is arguably an overdraft, but glaring weaknesses promote overdrafting. 

Teague has not shot the ball well with the Wildcats, but he has dished out nearly five dimes per game. He has improved his ball control and should improve his shooting as he matures. 

The Jazz need someone to get the ball into their big men down low. Teague may need time before he is ready to start everyday, but he should get there.

12. Phoenix Suns- Kendall Marshall, PG, UNC

Steve Nash has been one of the NBA's most gifted distributors over the course of his 15-year career. 

With Nash's career winding down, Phoenix must find a replacement. I think it is safe to say Ronnie Price and Sebastian Telfair are not the answer. 

Kendall Marshall is the quintessential point guard. He has a top-notch basketball IQ, plays unselfish and has an emerging offensive game. He always makes the extra pass, even if that pass seems impossible to the naked eye. 

Nash has been incredibly savvy for the Suns for a very long time. But a changing of the guard is upon Phoenix. 

The Suns would be smart to take a flyer on the Tar Heel distributor.

11. Utah Jazz- Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

The Utah Jazz have an excellent frontcourt. Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors are all high-level forwards while Enes Kanter is still developing.

The Jazz do lack a presence on the wing. Gordon Hayward is more of a spot-up shooter. C.J. Miles and Josh Howard future's are uncertain. 

Quincy Miller could be the answer. He is incredibly skilled, but still very raw. He has put up 11.1 points per game and snagged five boards per game this season in Waco. 

Miller uses his length to create his own shot in the lane. He is also a dangerous shooter from 15 feet and beyond. 

The Jazz have a solid team, but need a go-to scorer. Miller could eventually be that guy.

10. Houston Rockets- Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Hey, did you know this is Doc Rivers' son? 

Of course you did, but I thought I would prepare you. College basketball analysts will mention it all too much this March. 

Austin Rivers would give the Rockets flexibility in the backcourt. He can play as a two guard or a Stephen Curry-like point guard. 

Rivers averaged 15.4 points per game this season. He connected on 37 percent of his three-pointers and was named All-ACC at season's end. 

His all-around game is still developing, but Rivers will get there. He has supreme confidence and wants the ball in his hands at the biggest moments.

Just ask North Carolina. 

9. Milwaukee Bucks- Jeremy Lamb, SG, UCONN

The Milwaukee Bucks have a great point guard in Brandon Jennings. But Mike Dunleavy and Stephen Jackson just won't cut it at the two spot. 

Jeremy Lamb would be an immediate upgrade because of his length and silky-smooth stroke.

He has put up nearly 18 points per game for the Huskies this season, but has a tendency to try and do too much. 

Lamb is a dynamic scorer. He is capable of knocking down jumpers from anywhere or driving to the lane with his lanky frame. 

His consistency leaves something to be desired. He scores a ton, but seems to drift on offense at times. 

The Bucks will be very happy with what Lamb becomes with a little more seasoning.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

The Cleveland Cavalier selected Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 overall selection in 2011. Irving is a runaway candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, but needs some help in the Cavs' backcourt. 

Bradley Beal is the best shooting guard available and still has room to improve. 

Beal has put up nearly 15 points per game to go with 6.5 rebounds. He has also dished out 2.2 assists per game.

Beal has hit 33 percent of his three-point shots. He was expected to be better, but his rebounding and defensive ability have been a revelation. 

The Gator guard oozes potential. He has a well-rounded skill set and a great head on his shoulders. 

If he finds his three-point stroke, he will be lights out.

7. Detroit Pistons- Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

The Detroit Pistons would love to grab a big man to pair with their budding center, Greg Monroe. 

Jared Sullinger is Detroit's best bet. "Sully" is a bruiser on the blocks with a developing touch on the perimeter. He has dominated in his two years as a Buckeye and is NBA-ready. 

Sullinger averaged 17.6 points per game this season to go with 9.3 rebounds. 

He attempted 33 three-point shots and hit nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. He will never be a sharpshooter, but he forces opponents to respect his shot. 

Sullinger is a bit undersized at 6'9'', but he makes up for it with his bulky frame. He consistently carves out space in the paint and has a delicate touch around the rim. 

6. Sacramento Kings- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

The Sacramento Kings are a fun team to watch when they are clicking on all cylinders, but there is one problem.

That does not happen all that often.

Thomas Robinson would be a great addition. Robinson could play the Kings' up-tempo style and would provide leadership in the frontcourt—something DeMarcus Cousins seems incapable of doing. 

Robinson has averaged a double-double this season. He is the heart and soul of an overachieving Jayhawks' squad. He is very strong down low and gives the maximum effort each time he steps foot on the court. 

Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Cousins and Robinson could be a force to reckon with in the upcoming years. 

5. New Jersey Nets- Perry Jones III, SF/PF, Baylor

Ideally, the New Jersey Nets find a way to lure Dwight Howard in before the start of next season. 

If they do land D12, he will need a running mate in the frontcourt. Kris Humphries will, more than likely, not be resigned. 

Perry Jones III has tremendous upside, despite his so-so season at Baylor. 

Jones III has averaged 14 points per game this season. He has hauled down over seven boards a contest, as well.

Those numbers are solid, but tune into a Bears' game this season and you will see Jones III drifting in and out on offense. He lacks consistency and focus on both ends of the court.

Jones III is just scratching the surface of his potential. If he finds the drive to go with his unique skill set, he will take off in the NBA.

4. Toronto Raptors-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

The Toronto Raptors have a few pieces in place for the future. Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan are blazing in the open floor, but could use a running mate. 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the perfect candidate. He would be an immediate improvement over James Johnson and Linas Kleiza at the small forward spot. 

Kidd-Gilchrist has scored 11.8 points per game this season. He has also hauled down 7.6 rebounds per game and dished two assists per game. 

On the defensive end, Kidd-Gilchrist stuffs one shot per game and steals one ball per game. 

In other words, Kidd-Gilchrist can do a bit of everything. He can effect a game without scoring the basketball and would help Toronto on both ends of the floor.

Some players have that 'it' factor. Kidd-Gilchrist is a born leader with a knack for winning games.

3. New Orleans Hornets- Andre Drummond, C, UConn

The New Orleans Hornets may, or may not, move Chris Kaman before the NBA trade deadline. Either way, the Hornets will take Andre Drummond with the third overall selection. 

Drummond is young, raw and extremely athletic for a 6'11'' forward. He has not been overly consistent this season for UConn, but he has shown flashes of dominance in the interior. 

The Hornets are in rebuilding mode after sending Chris Paul to the Clippers before the start of the season. Eric Gordon is a solid guard with upside, but they must find him a target in the frontcourt. 

Drummond averaged 10.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season in Storrs. As he develops, those numbers will skyrocket. 

2. Washington Wizards- Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC

The Washington Wizards have some talent. But their undisciplined play has take their season from bad to worse. 

Harrison Barnes would provide a big boost next season. Rashard Lewis' contract expires and he will probably not be retained. Chris Singleton and Jan Vesely are not ready to take over on the wing. 

Barnes can do it all on offense. He has a great jump shot from the perimeter and has the strength to penetrate against smaller players. 

He needs to work on his rebounding and distribution. But if you are looking for a pure scorer, Barnes is your guy. 

Barnes was an All-ACC performer this season.

1. Charlotte Bobcats- Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

The Charlotte Bobcats need a ton of help, to say the least. The Bobcats are currently 6-34, dead last in the Eastern Conference. 

Anthony Davis has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick for awhile. He has dominated the competition—on both ends of the floor—all season long. 

He averages 14.3 points and 10 rebounds per game. Not to mention, he blocks an insane amount of shots. 

Davis has a high skill-level for his size. If his frame fills out, he will be a superstar at the next level.