Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and 5 NBA Studs Who Were Too Good for the NCAA

March Madness is increasingly becoming the last chance for college hoops fans to watch their favorite freshmen play. With the allure of hefty contracts and elite competition, young up-and-comers aren't waiting to take the next step if they can avoid it.

Some early bloomers don't pan out as expected, but others haven't missed a beat as they take their college talents to the world's biggest stage. Here are seven one-and-done NCAA stars who have made quick transitions to the NBA.

Derrick Rose

While Derrick Rose's last moments with Memphis are forgettable enough, there's still no question the all-world point guard was ready for the NBA the second his freshman campaign came to a close.

Upon joining the NBA ranks, Rose was selected as the NBA's Rookie of the Year and earned his first MVP award just two years later. He has instantly become one of the game's most dominant and entertaining guards.

Capable of scoring inside and out, Rose remains a first-rate passer and consummate team player. Memphis would have loved to hold on to him for another run at the NCAA championship, but the Bulls couldn't get their hands on the hometown hero soon enough.  

Kevin Durant

Durant was drafted second overall in 2007 after just one season at Texas. After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, he twice led the NBA in scoring and is currently making the case for his first MVP award in yet another exceptional season with Oklahoma City.

Still just 23 years old, it's taken Durant no time at all to dominate at the NBA level. The lengthy forward can hit shots from anywhere on the floor and is unguardable when playing his "A-game."

He can also be pretty fun to watch. 

Carmelo Anthony

After one championship year at Syracuse, Anthony was selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003. Since making the jump, he's left little doubt he was ready.

Anthony is a five-time NBA All-Star and widely considered to be one of the game's most dominant scorers. He was so sought after before last season's trade deadline that the New York Knicks traded a bevy of young talent to acquire their future franchise player.

Kevin Love

Kevin Love led the UCLA Bruins to a Pac-10 Championship and a Final Four appearance as one of the NCAA's most impressive big men. That was all the time he needed in Westwood before deciding it was time to test NBA waters.

Love established himself right away as a dominant rebounder and has since expanded his game to include a consistent three-point shot. Already a two-time All-Star at just 23, he is already drawing praise as one of the two or three best power forwards in the NBA, proving he was more than ready to make the early jump.

Eric Gordon

The 2008 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Gordon left Indiana after a standout season in which he averaged over 20 points a game.

While he's yet to accrue many NBA accolades, he's already regarded as one of the NBA's best young combo-guards. Gordon proved he has a bright future while with the Los Angeles Clippers and became the centerpiece of the team's trade for Chris Paul.

Though he's been injured for almost all of his first season in New Orleans, Gordon is an up-and-comer who was more than ready for NBA competition.

Tyreke Evans

After an impressive freshman campaign with Memphis, Tyreke Evans was drafted fourth overall by the rebuilding Sacramento Kings.

On his way to the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award, Evans became only the fourth rookie in NBA history average at least 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. Though Evans has struggled to improve on that production in his next two seasons, there's little question that he will continue growing into a star in this league.

John Wall

Drafted by the Washington Wizards with the first overall pick in 2010, no one doubted that John Wall was ready to move on from his freshman year at Kentucky. With top flight speed and uncanny court vision, Wall has all the tools to become one of the NBA's next great point guards. 

Still only 21, the full extent of Wall's upside remains unknown. As the best young player on a terrible team, it's hard to tell how good this guy can be. While he continues to grow from one game to the next, Wall has already established himself as a future All-Star and entertaining player to watch.