NCAA Bracket 2012 Predictions: Under-the-Radar Stars Set to Shine in Round of 64

There's no bigger platform on which a college basketball star can make a name for himself than the NCAA tournament. The Big Dance has launched the careers of many a relative unknown, from "Never Nervous" Pervis Ellison to Joakim Noah.

So who in this year's field is bound to turn "One Shining Moment" into a lifetime of fame and glory on the hardwood, starting with a robust showing in the round of 64?

Royce White, Iowa State

College hoops fans in the Midwest should be familiar with Royce White by now. The Minneapolis native is likely best (or worst) known for his off-court struggles during his days at Minnesota, which ultimately precipitated his dismissal from the program and subsequent transfer to Iowa State.

But to focus too intently on White's past transgressions (and his battles with anxiety from whence they came) would ignore just how tremendous a talent he truly is.

White's skill set is as diverse as they come for a 6'8", 270-pounder. He leads Iowa State in scoring (13.1 PPG), rebounding (9.2 RPG), assists (5.2 APG), steals (1.2 SPG) and blocks (0.9 BPG) and, as such, has been an integral part of the basketball revival in Ames.

The Cyclones will need every bit of White's ability when they take on defending-champion Connecticut on Thursday, though a strong showing against the talented Huskies (i.e. Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond) should catapult him into the national basketball conversation.

Doug McDermott, Creighton

Doug McDermott is intimately familiar with Royce White's newest digs; he played high school ball in Ames while his father, Doug McDermott, coached the Cyclones prior to Fred Hoiberg's arrival.

The McDermotts have since taken up residence in Omaha, the elder McDermott as the head coach at Creighton and the younger as his Wooden Award-nominated pupil on the Bluejays basketball team. Doug leads the 'Jays with 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while hitting a dazzling 49.5 percent of his three-point shots.

The 6'7" sophomore will be challenged by Alabama's JaMychal Green on Friday. If he and Creighton prevail, he'll have a golden opportunity to strut his stuff on the national stage against top-seed North Carolina and former prep teammate Harrison Barnes. 

Mike Moser, UNLV

Head coach Lon Kruger has UNLV back to playing high-level basketball, thanks in no small part to castoffs like Mike Moser. The former UCLA Bruins forward has emerged as a force in the frontcourt for the Runnin' Rebels, averaging a double-double (14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds) along with 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals.

The lanky, 6'8" swingman will have his work cut out for him against Colorado's Andre Roberson, who pulls down 11.6 boards of his own per game.

Should the Rebs advance, Moser will have to make sure he has enough left in his motor to handle Baylor's talented bigs, led by NBA draft lottery prospect Perry Jones III.

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