NBA Draft 2012: Projecting Where UNC's Stars Will Land

The North Carolina Tar Heels had a loaded team this year, but nothing lasts forever.

Upon the Tar Heels' Elite Eight exit, it's now time to look ahead to the 2012 NBA draft and see where their stars will land.

Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Kendall Marshall declared for the draft on Thursday, according to ESPN. Center Tyler Zeller will join them after his senior season at UNC. Freshman James Michael McAdoo has yet to make an announcement.

But let us assume McAdoo will declare, given he'll likely be a lottery pick.

Here's where I see North Carolina's stars landing to start off their NBA careers.

Harrison Barnes, SF: Sacramento Kings, No. 7

Harrison Barnes was being seen as the potential No. 2 overall pick headed into this season, but his struggles in the NCAA tournament were well-documented and he appears to be a one-dimensional prospect.

But the fact of the matter is, Barnes can flat-out score the basketball when he's on his game and the Kings need a small forward of the future. His offense, combined with his ability to defend, is hard to pass up at No. 7 overall.

Tyler Zeller, C: Milwaukee Bucks, No. 10

The Bucks locked up their backcourt when they traded Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis. Now they need to address the center position.

Zeller has the size and rebounding to make a difference for the Bucks, and he runs the floor exceptionally well. He'll complement Milwaukee's speedy backcourt nicely.

James Michael McAdoo, PF: New Orleans Hornets, No. 12

We've only seen a small sample size of James Michael McAdoo, but he's made the most of his minutes for North Carolina this season.

McAdoo stepped up big in the Round of 64 when Henson went down with an injury, posting 17 points, six rebounds and four steals in 23 minutes. Then he racked up 15 points against Kansas in the Elite Eight.

McAdoo's athleticism, versatility and potential are mighty intriguing. With a hole at power forward, I could see the Hornets grabbing him based on his upside alone.

John Henson, PF: Houston Rockets, No. 15

John Henson would look great coming off the bench for Luis Scola. He can rebound, block shots, play tough man-to-man defense and his athleticism translates nicely to the NBA. 

Henson's not only a talented player, but he also has the motor and drive to go along with it. I'd be shocked if he didn't develop into a good NBA player.

Kendall Marshall, PG: Denver Nuggets, No. 16

With Andre Miller aging, I could see the Nuggets adding depth at the point guard position behind Ty Lawson.

Kendall Marshall is a true point guard with excellent passing ability. He makes everyone around him better, and that was evident when he was forced out of the NCAA tournament due to injury, and the Tar Heels struggled.

Marshall's high basketball IQ and court vision would make him a nice grab for the Nuggets.

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