NBA Draft 2012: 4 Reasons Why Terrence Jones Is an Overrated Pro Prospect

The Kentucky Wildcats are a prime example of "men among boys" as they finished their run through the NCAA. With a lineup full of first-round NBA draft talent, teams will be lining up to take a look at these pro prospects.

Not every player is a guaranteed star, though, especially forward Terrence Jones.

Jones is finishing his sophomore campaign with Kentucky and is a potential lottery pick. He's an athletic machine, plays with an immense amount of energy and is capable of producing a SportsCenter "Top 10" highlight whenever he wants.

He's been fairly productive, averaging just over 14 points, eight rebounds and under two blocks a game during his two-year stretch as a Wildcat.

There are plenty of reasons to be positive about Jones' future, but there are more than enough to reasons to second-guess him as well.

Jones has a high ceiling of potential, but right now he also has a great deal of flaws in his game. Here are four areas of improvement that make him an overrated prospect.

1. Immaturity/Decision-Making

Jones has been a major focal point of Kentucky's success these past two seasons, and he knows it. His unique combination of talent and athleticism has been a gift as well as a curse, and could continue to be at the professional level.

A good NBA player has to find a way to balance his talent with smart decision-making, a sense of maturity, intangibles and an understanding of team basketball.

At times, Jones gets carried away in creating his own success instead of making smart plays for his team. He gets caught up playing at a recklessly high pace and trying to make a big play instead of working with his teammates patiently.

Jones has had the luxury of playing next to some quality talent as a Wildcat. Last season, Jones was accompanied by Brandon Knight, Josh Harrellson and a nice core of players on the way to the 2011 Final Four.

This year's championship team had no talent drop-off, playing with Jones, Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the projected No. 1 draft pick, Anthony Davis.

Playing with that ocean of talent around him, it was easier for Jones to play his own game without it faulting his team. That won't be the case in the NBA if he's selected as a lottery pick. Playing against tougher competition on a team that doesn't dominate like Kentucky did in college will be a difficult transition for Jones.

Jones could walk a very similar path as former Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins his rookie season. Cousins is quite the talent, but after running a track meet through his collegiate competition, he's displayed sophomoric behavior and has struggled adapting to the team game of basketball.

Jones runs the same risk of repeating history. He should look at Cousins' rookie season for what not to do as a pro.

2. Unpolished Offensive Game

Terrence Jones is a walking highlight reel. When playing at his maximum level of energy, he's almost impossible to contain.

His career as a Wildcat is full of putback slams and fast-break, alley-oop dunks. Jones is also a strong rebounder and a crafty lefty capable of driving and creating with either hand.

However, Jones gets himself in trouble relying too heavily on his athletic skill set. He made a living posting up against smaller defenders, or using his quickness to blow past bigger defenders on the perimeter.

Those dunks and easy buckets won't come easy against faster and better NBA competition. Jones must learn to play with his brain as well as his muscle to make the impact he's capable of in the NBA.

Playing against slower defenders on the wing or smaller defenders on the block, Jones never truly developed a real low-post game. That issue will have to be addressed to consistently have an impact on offense.

In today's NBA, power forwards are capable of consistently knocking down a jumper as well as producing in the paint. This could be a bad sign for Jones if he tries to adapt to that philosophy.

Jones has a nice soft touch to his jump shot, but isn't efficient enough to add it to his arsenal. He averaged a less-than-impressive 33 percent from behind the arc in his two years at Kentucky.

Jones was most effective finishing in the paint around the rim, but at times fell too much in love with shooting jumpers. It couldn't hurt for Jones to work on that jumper, but you don't want that being his go-to option on offense.

3. Defense

The Kentucky Wildcats hosted quite a block party this 2011-12 season. Jones was a big contributor, averaging just under two blocks a game.

Another case of mind over muscle for Jones. Relying on his athletic prowess, it was easier for the 6'9" forward to fly in and save the defensive possession with a swat. Having Anthony Davis giving help-side defense also made life a lot easier for Jones when defending forwards on the block.

Blocking shots doesn't automatically make a great defender. Jones has the body to go toe-to-toe with NBA forwards, but he'll have to use more brainpower than willpower while defending big men at the pro level.

Also, there's no guarantee Jones will have a frontcourt mate like Davis next to him to help out. Will Jones be able to defend a smarter pro forward on an island with no help?

Jones also found himself on the bench in foul trouble too often with Kentucky. Always over-aggressively looking for a showtime block, Jones was caught on many pump fakes, drawing too many fouls on himself. He'll have to learn to be patient and think before flying out of control going for a block.

4. Small or Power Forward?

What's Terrence Jones' true position? That will be the biggest question in regard to the Kentucky forward. Despite spending the majority of his NCAA career as a power forward, Jones' rare skill set earned him the label of a "hybrid forward."

The prime NBA comparison for Jones has been Josh Smith, who also dealt with the same label issues coming out as a rookie and early in his NBA career. Jones has the explosiveness and athletic ability of Smith, but has the ability to drive and create like Lamar Odom.

Jones has an NBA-ready body, standing at 6'9", 252 pounds. He's physically capable of banging with NBA forwards, but must identify his true position when drafted.

Lots of uncertainty looms over Jones with a lack of a low-post game and an inconsistent jump shot. If one of these were already established, it would be easier to decide his sure position.

With no guarantee of which team will draft Jones, how he will be utilized as a pro is a mystery. He could be drafted by a team in need of a power forward like the Detroit Pistons, or a team in need of a small forward like the Cleveland Cavaliers. That question will be decided June 28 at this year's draft.