NCAA Tournament 2012: Players Who'll Increase Draft Stock with Strong Final Four

The following players are going to take advantage of college basketball's biggest stage to boost their draft stock. 

This is a chance for players to show they can dominate against the most elite competition college basketball has to offer, and in the process they can prove to scouts that they have what it takes to succeed under immense pressure and against NBA caliber players. 

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sullinger's draft stock has been on a roller-coaster. Sean Deveney, of the Sporting News, gives us a feel of Sullinger's draft stock at the end of last season. Deveney: 

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He could have left Ohio State last year after an outstanding freshman season, and probably could have challenged Kyrie Irving as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft or, at least, slid in ahead of Derrick Williams at No. 2. He would have been Top 4, almost guaranteed.

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He also adds some insight as to where that stock is now. Deveney: 

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Now? Well, the competition figures to be stiffer at the top of this year’s draft, and with the perception among NBA-types that Sullinger didn’t get a whole lot better over the course of his sophomore year, he is likely to go in the back half of the Top 10.

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Sullinger will be staring at the top five status once again by the time this tournament is over. He has an amazing low-post game, and score almost at will.

After sitting out the majority of the first half, in Ohio State's win over Syracuse in the Elite Eight, with trouble, he was took the game over in second. He had 19 points on 5-9 shooting and was 9-12 from the free throw line. 

It doesn't matter who the defender is, he will keep producing those kinds of numbers, and scouts will be raving about him once again. 

Terrence Jones, Kentucky 

Jones is commonly viewed as a latter half of the first round selection—like in this mock draft. He will be pushing for lottery status by the end of the Final Four.

Jones isn't putting up dazzling offensive numbers, but that is part of the reason why he is making himself so valuable.

In his last three games, he has scored 32 points, but is making his impact felt in other ways. He's been absolutely dominant on defense, and does whatever it takes to win. 

In the Elite Eight vs. Baylor, Jones wound up with three blocks, two steals, nine boards and six assists. 

At 6'9", Jones has the quickness to guard wing players on the NBA level. This is invaluable. Combine that with his offensive potential, and he will be able to work his way into the lottery. 

Jeff Withey, Kansas 

Withey has yet to turn the heads of many NBA scouts. He hasn't shown the toughness, strength or lateral movement to be considered a lottery pick. 

He is also still very raw. All of this will almost certainly lead to him coming back for his senior season, but he will do so with heightened attention. 

Withey has been rock-solid for the Jayhawks in this tournament, and that is going to continue. He has a big test upcoming against the strong frontcourt of Ohio State, and his defensive skills will shine. 

In their last game, Withey helped limit John Henson to 10 points on 5-12 shooting. This is the kind of performance that will get him noticed and prove he has what it takes to succeed in the NBA.