2012 NBA Mock Draft : Prospects Who Will Shine and Surprise at the Next Level

The men's 2012 NCAA tournament came to an end Monday night as the Kentucky Wildcats knocked off the Kansas Jayhawks 69-57 for the national championship. 

Gobs of college stars participated in March Madness, and not long from now they'll live their dreams of being drafted by the NBA.

This is the draft that hoops fans have been waiting for.

Who among these prospects will shine and surprise in basketball's greatest league?    

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, Kentucky

People knew Davis was going to be good, but not this good!

You couldn't have a better freshman season than Davis did. He took home national player of the year honors, was named MVP of the Final Four, and of course led Kentucky to a national title.

He'll more than likely take his talents to the pros this year and eventually turn into an NBA superstar down the road.    

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist makes it two straight Wildcats to start the draft.

MKG is blessed with incredible athleticism and is known for his play on the defensive end of the floor.

He'd be the perfect star to pair with former Kentucky one-and-done John Wall.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson has to be bummed about not getting a national championship this year.

Oh well, now he can focus on making millions in the National Basketball Association. 

With Chris Paul up in Southern California these days, Robinson could emerge as the Hornets' new franchise player.  

4. Portland Trail Blazers: Andre Drummond, Connecticut

The disappointing Greg Oden experiment is over in Portland.

Drummond will never be the next Bill Russell like Oden was supposed to be, but he could certainly help the Blazers get back to their winning ways.  

5. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

If Barnes would've entered the draft last year, he would've had to wait to get paid due to the lockout.

But this year he won't have to worry about that as he becomes a star north of the border.

6. Sacramento Kings: Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Moultrie averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season and dropped 34 on UMass in the first round of the NIT.

He would fit in nicely in Sacramento alongside DeMarcus Cousins.

7. Detroit Pistons: Cody Zeller, Indiana

Zeller heads from the corn fields of Indiana to the mean streets of the Motor City.

He's exactly what the Pistons need—a skilled big man to play alongside Greg Monroe.

Zeller just might return to IU for his sophomore season, but then again, he might not pass up millions of dollars to play at the next level.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, Florida

Beal had a nice freshman season for the Gators, averaging 14.6 points and an impressive 6.5 rebounds per game.

He would be the perfect backcourt mate for Kyrie Irving in Cleveland. 

9. Utah Jazz: Damian Lillard

Averaging 24 points per game for little Weber State this year, Lillard is obviously a gifted scorer. 

He's no John Stockton or Deron Williams, but he could turn out to be a great point guard for the Jazz.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sullinger didn't look so hot in the Final Four, shooting 5-of-19 from the field in a loss to Kansas.

Who cares, though. He should go on to be a productive NBA power forward for many years.  

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, Duke

Kyrie Irving had a one-and-done year at Duke last season and now Rivers just did the same.

Can he put together a great rookie season like Irving is having? We'll see.

Rivers is definitely someone you want taking the last shot. His game-winner versus North Carolina was truly legendary. 

12. New Orleans Hornets: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Marshall could come in and help ease the pain of losing Chris Paul at the point.

With Thomas Robinson, Marshall and a re-signed, healthy Eric Gordon, the Hornets would have a pretty bright future.  

13. Utah Jazz: Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut

Lamb put up a little under 18 points per game this season, an improvement from his 11-point-per-game freshman campaign.

The 6'5" shooting guard would join Damian Lillard to create a nice young backcourt in Salt Lake City.    

14. Phoenix Suns: Perry Jones, Baylor

At one point last year, Jones was projected to go No. 1. Obviously, things have changed. 

Inconsistency is the reason for the slide. However, Jones has the potential to be a superstar and emerge as the Suns' top player once Steve Nash decides to retire.  

15. Houston Rockets, Tyler Zeller, North Carolina

Zeller had a phenomenal game against Ohio in the NCAA tournament, scoring 20 points and pulling down 22 rebounds.  

He could blossom into a solid big man in Houston, especially with Kevin McHale getting the opportunity to work with him.

16. New Jersey Nets: Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters is a combo guard who can provide instant offense off the bench.   

17. Boston Celtics: Meyers Leonard, Illinois

Leonard could be just the big man the Celtics need.

The seven-foot, 245-pounder produced 13.8 points and 8.2 boards a game for the Fighting Illini this season.

18. Denver Nuggets: John Henson, North Carolina

Lacking a great deal of strength and a polished offensive game, Henson is a superb shot-blocker and rebounder.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Jones doesn't have NBA scouts drooling like they do for his Kentucky teammates Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, but don't be surprised to see him become a solid player at the next level.

20. Philadelphia 76ers: Moe Harkless, St. Johns

Harkless didn't get to showcase his talents in the NCAA tournament, but he'll get to in Philly, backing up All-Star Andre Iguodala.

21. Houston Rockets: Royce White, Iowa State

The Rockets took Tyler Zeller earlier in the draft and now they grab White, the best player on the board.

22. Indiana Pacers: Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt

A terrific shooter who also possesses a quick first step, Taylor could be a reliable reserve for the Pacers, backing up Danny Granger.

The Swedish forward enjoyed a solid four-year career for the Commodores.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Terrence Ross, Washington

The Grizzlies, who just might lose O.J. Mayo in free agency this summer, get their hands on a talented shooting guard in Ross.

24. Boston Celtics: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson led the Bonnies to the Atlantic 10 Conference title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

He takes his inside/outside game to Boston to join a rebuilding project. 

25. Orlando Magic: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt

Orlando was able to keep Dwight Howard in town and now they've found a good backup for him in Ezeli. 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Doron Lamb, Kentucky

With both Bradley Beal and Lamb added to the roster, the Cavs have significantly upgraded the shooting guard position.   

27. Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green, Michigan State

Green could turn into a solid reserve for the Warriors.

The 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year could surprise a few folks in the near future.

28. Miami Heat: Fab Melo, Syracuse

Melo might have missed the NCAA tournament, but he's not going to miss his chance to play in the NBA.

The Brazilian seven-footer can fill in at center, which is Miami's weakest position.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Quincy Miller, Baylor

Miller recently helped the Bears reach the Elite Eight, where they fell to the eventual champion Kentucky Wildcats. 

The freshman forward would make a great backup for Kevin Durant in OKC.

30. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague, Kentucky

Teague goes from a starter on a national championship squad to backing up Derrick Rose, arguably the NBA's best point guard.  

The Indianapolis native could eventually be an upgrade over the Bulls' current reserve point guard, C.J. Watson.