2012 NBA Mock Draft: Post-NCAA Title Game Predictions for 1st Round

The college basketball season has now come and gone and the 2012 NBA draft class has shown the bulk of its abilities.

Now it's time to really start getting down to how the first round will pan out, weighing the positives and negatives of every prospect.

Some prospects greatly improved their draft stock in the postseason. Some have only highlighted their shortcomings.

Here's a look at how I see the first round panning out this year.

Note: James Michael McAdoo, Quincy Miller and Patric Young have been excluded, as I think they will stay in school for another year.

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Anthony Davis is the consensus No. 1 pick in the draft. He's an explosive scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker you build a team around.

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

MKG has shown off his versatility, skills and heart this season as a freshman for Kentucky, and there are few players in the draft with as much upside as him. He's a tough leader who will instantly make friends in the Wizards locker room.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

The Hornets have been hurting at the power forward spot ever since David West left. Thomas Robinson is a physical marvel whose explosiveness allows him to attack the rim and crash the rim. He's even shown off a mid-range jumper this season.

4. Portland Trail Blazers (via NJ): Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

The Trail Blazers need a new star at shooting guard and Bradley Beal is the consensus top guard in the class. There's really nothing not to like about Beal. He's a great shooter, penetrates like a point guard, has a high basketball IQ, rebounds excellently for a guard, defends well and has a killer instinct.

5. Toronto Raptors: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

The Raptors could go with Harrison Barnes here to fill in the 3 spot, but his performance in the NCAA tournament may have dropped his stock. I think the Raptors well go with upside in Andre Drummond, who has the explosiveness to be a dynamic player in the NBA.

6. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes can shoot the lights out and defend, but beyond that, he doesn't do anything else particularly well. I'm not particularly high on him and I think NBA teams have noticed he's not a very complete player. Nonetheless, his scoring ability alone will make him a top-10 pick.

7. Detroit Pistons: Cody Zeller, C, Indiana

It's still up in the air whether Cody Zeller will declare, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't. He may be the best center in the draft class and he doesn't come with the inconsistency concerns as Drummond. The Pistons would love someone like him to pair up with Greg Monroe.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

The Cavaliers would prefer a center, but if Zeller doesn't drop to them, they may as well add depth in the interior. Perry Jones has the explosiveness and athleticism to be a difference-maker in the NBA attacking the rim and rebounding the basketball, but he has to play more consistent ball first. He's a risk, but he could flourish with good coaching.

9. Utah Jazz (via GS): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Damian Lillard is a fantastic scorer first and foremost. Beyond that, he can penetrate the lane with the best of them and he's lightning-fast. There are some questions about his vision, though, so it will be interesting if the Jazz choose Kendall Marshall instead.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

After trading away Andrew Bogut, the Bucks need a new center. Tyler Zeller, with his rebounding, soft touch around the rim and ability to run with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, makes a lot of sense.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

This may be a little high for Meyers Leonard, who is a bit raw, but the Trail Blazers need a center and Leonard has tons of upside. Leonard needs to improve his consistency and focus, but he's 7'0", 240 pounds and is a very good scorer and rebounder. He's also an excellent defender around the rim.

12. New Orleans Hornets (via MINN): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

If Kendall Marshall drops to the Hornets, I see them developing him into their point guard of the future. He's certainly not the scorer Lillard is, but his passing ability and vision is fantastic. He makes everyone around him better.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

The Suns need someone to make an impact at the shooting guard position and possibly keep Steve Nash in Phoenix. Jeremy Lamb is undoubtedly the second-best shooting guard in the draft. He virtually glides across the floor and has the athleticism, wing span and shooting ability to be a terror in the NBA.

14. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky

I'm a big fan of Terrence Jones. I think he's rounded out nicely after a couple of tumultuous seasons and is playing the smartest basketball I've ever seen from him. If he turns out, he could become the next Lamar Odom. I would personally take him over Harrison Barnes. He's the better overall prospect. He gives the Nuggets another athletic, versatile player to fit into George Karl's depth chart.

15. Houston Rockets (via NY): Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

While the Rockets would prefer a center, if Jared Sullinger falls here, they will take him and add to their frontcourt depth. His post game, rebounding and basketball IQ is hard to ignore here, despite the concerns about his athleticism and explosiveness.

16. New Jersey Nets (via HOU): Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

Arnett Moultrie's draft stock has soared this season. He has the physical tools to be a dominant force in the NBA, rebounds well and has improved his perimeter game. He needs to add strength, but he would be a nice addition in the interior for the Nets.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTAH): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Austin Rivers has the shooting ability and killer instinct to be a starter in the NBA. His decision-making and basketball IQ needs to improve, but he's a dynamic scorer who could work well with Ricky Rubio.

18. Boston Celtics: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

The Celtics need to replace Kevin Garnett at some point, and John Henson has the athleticism, wing span and defensive ability to be a nice fit in Boston. He may be a steal at No. 18 overall.

19. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrence Ross, SF, Washington

Terrence Ross asserted himself this season in the NIT tournament, scoring at a high rate and showing the three-point range the 76ers need. He's also a good defender.

20. Memphis Grizzlies: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

With O.J. Mayo set to be a restricted free agent, the Grizzlies could use some depth at shooting guard. Dion Waiters, with his explosive scoring ability and headstrong mentality, could be a good one for years to come. His strength makes up for his lack in size, in my opinion.

21. Houston Rockets (via DAL): Royce White, F, Iowa State

Royce White does come with some character concerns, but he's an immense talent and does virtually everything well. He does struggle with inconsistency, but his upside is sky-high if he can stay focused.

22. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Jeff Taylor is an elite athlete who explodes to the hoop and has considerably improved his perimeter shooting. Beyond that, his defensive ability makes him a great fit with the Celtics.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Josh Smith may be on his way out soon, so the Hawks need to think about their small forward of the future. Moe Harkless needs to work on his outside shooting, but he's a long, athletic wing whose finishing ability, rebounding and shot-blocking will fit in nicely with the Hawks.

24. Indiana Pacers: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

The Pacers wouldn't mind adding another defensive presence beyond Roy Hibbert. Fab Melo has the size, rebounding and shot-blocking ability to be a difference-maker in the NBA.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State

I do have issues with Draymond Green's size and athleticism, but he simply knows how to play the game of basketball. His scoring, rebounding and passing ability makes him a multi-talented threat.

26. Orlando Magic: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Festus Ezeli improved his draft stock in the NCAA tournament and his size, length, rebounding and shot-blocking ability makes him a promising NBA prospect. Is Dwight Howard really staying in Orlando for much longer? I don't think so.

27. Golden State Warriors (via SA): C.J. Leslie, SF, N.C. State

C.J. Leslie may be one of the most underrated players in the draft class. His strength right now is a concern, but he's an explosive, quick player, who has improved his shooting range and will rebound and block shots for you. The Warriors need some depth at small forward, especially given Dorell Wright's struggles this season.

28. Miami Heat: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

Norris Cole still has time to grow, but he's appeared overmatched at times this season. Tony Wroten is inconsistent and needs to be coached up, but he's a powerful finisher who can be an excellent passer when he wants to be. He has a lot of talent, but it needs to be groomed.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Andrew Nicholson is a long, athletic player with excellent hands. He scores and rebounds well. He can be inconsistent, but he showed up big time in the NCAA tournament. He would provide nice depth for the Thunder.

30. Chicago Bulls: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke

The Bulls likely won't find a difference-maker at shooting guard here, but they could use another big man to bolster their interior defense even more. Mason Plumlee is a good rebounder and shot-blocker and has nice range on his jumper. He needs to add strength, but he's a legit first-rounder with a great motor.

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