NBA Draft 2012: Under-the-Radar Stars to Watch as NCAA Tournament Tips Off

With the NCAA tournament set to kick off tonight with the first-round games and really get going with Thursday's second-round action, there will be plenty of stars to keep an eye on.

While everyone knows the likes of Kentucky's Anthony Davis or North Carolina's Harrison Barnes when it comes to next season's NBA Draft, but there's plenty more talent flying under the radar that will be on display this week.

Here's a look at a collection of stars currently flying under the radar, but could be household names after the NCAA tournament.

Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

2011-12 Stats: 18.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG

Nicholson is one of the best players in the nation that no one knows about.

He's a solid power forward with an NBA future.

Nicholson isn't going to wow anyone, but he's a guy who's just very solid across the board and has the Bonnies back on the NCAA map for the first time in over a decade.

He's long and athletic and is a great leaper. Nicholson's not only a gifted scorer, but is a very good rebounder and shot blocker as well.

Nicholson's a projected second-round pick, but don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round eventually.

C.J. McCollum, Lehigh

2011-12 Stats: 21.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.5 APG and 2.6 SPG

There's very little doubt that Duke will defeat Lehigh in second-round action on Friday night, but even though the Mountain Hawks face an uphill climb, the nation will get a look at Lehigh guard C.J. McCollum.

He's an outstanding guard who's very fun to watch and after a very productive season, he's on the radar of NBA teams.

His game is electric and he's lightning quick.

McCollum can get to the hole and has a very nice jumper, but he's also a very good defensive guard.

If he elects to come out this season, he could end up anywhere from the late first-round to the mid-second round.

Scott Machado, Iona

2011-12 Stats: 13.6 PPG, 9.9 APG, 5.0 RPG, 1.6 SPG

Machado is a great point guard and will be on display in opening-round action as Iona takes on BYU.

He's the nation's leader in assists per game and could soar his draft stock with a couple of upset wins for the Gaels.

He's quick and athletic and excels in the open court.

No one in the nation is better at passing off the drive. He has a high basketball IQ and great floor vision.

Size could be a question, but Machado will be hearing his name called on draft night.

Doug McDermott, Creighton

2011-12 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG

If you haven't seen McDermott play, you're missing one of the NCAA's best.

He's third in the NCAA in scoring and is as smart as he is productive.

McDermott can score in many different ways and he's one of those players whose motor is always running. He's a guy who is always making something happen on the floor.

If he comes out this year, McDermott could sneak into the first round, but if he returns to school for another season, he could potentially be a top-10 pick in 2013.

Isaiah Canaan, Murray State

2011-12 Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.7 APG

If you haven't seen Canaan play yet, make sure you do during the tournament.

This guy is a baller.

He's barely 6'0" tall, but Canaan could find himself in an NBA uniform in the near future.

Canaan's strength is his jump shot. He's absolutely lethal from the perimeter. He's hitting at a 47 percent clip from behind the arc and knocked it down at a 48 percent clip during his freshman season.

He's not only a scorer, but he's a heady player who has all the intangibles that coaches like. Most importantly, he plays the game with heart.

Drew Gordon, New Mexico

2011-12 Stats: 13.4 PPG, 10.9 RPG

Gordon is a UCLA transfer and his having an outstanding season for Steve Alford's Lobos.

He's a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, but has a very nice offensive game as well.

Gordon can leap and runs the floor very well, but also possesses a very good mid-range game.

He has size and athleticism and could become very attractive to NBA scouts, especially if New Mexico makes a deep run.

Casper Ware, Long Beach State

2011-12 Stats: 17.4 PPG, 3.3 APG

Ware is a talent and Long Beach State is a very good team.

He's extremely quick and is also very strong for being a little guy.

Ware's a great ball-handler with a lightning-quick first step, but his strength is his scoring.

His jumper has unlimited range and he can rise above the rim and finish in traffic. He's nothing but excitement and is a very fun player to watch.

Nate Wolters, South Dakota State

2011-12 Stats: 21.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.0 APG

Wolters is very exciting.

He's a crafty guard who can get to the rim and has an outstanding jumper.

In addition, he's a great ball-handler who sees the floor very well and is one of the smarter players in the tournament.

A good showing could help him sneak into the second round.

Other Under-the-Radar Stars to Watch

Wichita State: Joe Ragland and Garrett Stutz

New Mexico State: Wendell McKines

UNLV: Mike Moser and Chace Stanback

Colorado: Andre Roberson

LIU Brooklyn: Julian Boyd and Jamal Olasewere

Montana: Will Cherry

Loyola (MD): Erik Etherly

Ohio: D.J. Cooper

Belmont: Kerron Johnson