NBA Draft 2012: 5 Players Portland Trail Blazers Must Watch in Tourney

It's been a rough season for the Portland Trail Blazers. They more or less blew up the team at the trade deadline, and the re-building process began.

It's likely that Portland will have two lottery picks in June's NBA draft, and that bodes well for interim head coach Kaleb Canales and the future of the organization.

The NCAA tournament brings life to players who would have otherwise not had much of a future in the NBA (see Kenneth Faried), and this year's tourney is no different.

Here are some players the Blazers should watch in the tournament.

Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Although UNC's Kendall Marshall broke his wrist against Creighton in the Round of 32 on Sunday, he still has a chance to play in the tournament, and the point guard is a definite player to watch for Portland.

The 6'4'' sophomore point guard is the all-time single-season assist leader in the ACC with 351 this season, and he is a key player on one of the best teams in the country. 

Raymond Felton hasn't worked out, and maybe Nolan Smith will, but Marshall should be available for the Blazers in the lottery and has major potential as the point guard of the future.

Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Marshall's teammate in Chapel Hill, seven-foot senior center Tyler Zeller could be the center Portland needs.

He isn't bulky and doesn't possess dominant strength, but he's a very smart player and can run the floor.

Even if he has to move to the four and LaMarcus Aldridge is the center, his size would greatly improve Portland's frontcourt.

Bradley Beal, Florida

If Portland uses the "take the best player available" strategy, Florida's Bradley Beal could be just that guy if the Blazers get the projected fourth overall pick (via trade from the Nets).

The 6'5'' freshman shooting guard is a true scorer and has a ton of athleticism.

He can shoot and rebound as well, not to mention he's only 18 years old and will only get better.

With Brandon Roy gone, Jamal Crawford likely to be gone after this season and Wesley Matthews' inconsistency, Beal would be a great fit in Portland.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

He's technically a power forward, but above all he's a big, strong post, which is exactly what the Blazers need. 

Ohio State's Jared Sullinger has been in the national spotlight ever since he arrived on the scene last year, and at 6'9'' and 280 pounds, he'll be a tough matchup at the next level.

Cody Zeller, Indiana

Tyler's kid brother is actually drawing more attention this spring.

Cody, the freshman center, is very efficient on offense (62.2 percent from the field) and recorded 1.2 blocks per game this season for the Hoosiers.

He has a slight frame like his brother, but he's 19 and has time to bulk up and be a legitimate center in the NBA.