NBA Draft 2012: Breaking Down Prospects from the Kentucky vs. Kansas Title Game
The 2011-12 NCAA basketball season came to a close last night with the Kentucky Wildcats cutting down the nets after an impressive win over Kansas.
For both teams they must now turn the page as more than a handful of guys who starred in last night's game are legitimate NBA prospects.
Not all of these prospects are guaranteed to be NBA stars or even high draft picks in June's NBA draft, though. Here's a quick breakdown of the prospects from last night's title clash and where each star is projected to be selected if they declare for the draft.
Anthony Davis, Kentucky
Quite simply, he's one of the best big-man pro prospects in quite some time. You can't teach the instincts Davis has at the defensive end of the floor.
He is a game-changer on defense and his long wingspan will make a huge impact on the game at the next level. Davis is athletic and plays hard at both ends of the floor. He can dominate a game without ever having the ball in his hands, which very few players can.
Davis can become a dominant shot-blocker and great rebounder at the NBA level. He also has an emerging offensive game, but he needs to add some more muscle to be dominant on the block in the NBA. Either way, there's a ton of upside around Davis.
Prediction: No. 1 overall pick
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
He's an elite athlete who has the character, work ethic and leadership skills that every team needs. Kidd-Gilchrist is a great rebounder and defender and attacks the rim with ease when he has the ball.
His motor never quits running and he brings energy. MKG could stand to be a better perimeter shooter, but that will come with time. He's a can't-miss guy.
Prediction: Top-five pick
Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Talent-wise, he's a top-three pick, but he won't go that high in the draft. However ther's a ton to like about Jones, including his massive wingspan and the athleticism that allows him to play both the 3 and the 4.
He's a great rebounder, passer and ball handler and can score from all three levels with consistency. He also excels scoring and rebounding in traffic, which has opened up some eyes. Jones has the ability to be an NBA star.
Prediction: Lottery pick
Doron Lamb, Kentucky
Lamb has the ability to be a tremendous NBA scorer. When he's on, he's assassin-like with his jumper. He's a good athlete with a very smooth overall game.
Lamb's the most underrated of the Wildcats' starting five, but he's got a solid mid-range game and great speed and has the ability to become a solid NBA player, despite being a bit undersized for his position.
Prediction: Late first round to early second round
Marquis Teague, Kentucky
Teague is an intriguing prospect, as he has NBA-type speed and sees the court very well. He has a great first step and can attack the rim at will.
But he lacks a consistent perimeter shot and often plays way too out of control. He could benefit from another year of school, but with the point guard class being rather thin this season, he will attract a lot of attention.
Prediction: Late first round to early second round
Thomas Robinson, Kansas
He's only 6"9, but Robinson's game should translate to the NBA just fine. He's as tough down low as h is athletic and his offensive game has evolved from a guy who used to just be a dunker, to having a pretty solid total package.
His offensive attack is just going to get better, but he's tough and explosive and has the athleticism and relentlessness on the boards to become an NBA star. He's got an NBA-body and he's NBA-ready.
Prediction: Top-five pick
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas
Taylor is a great athlete with a tremendous first step and a high basketball IQ. He's a good leaper and a very good on-ball defender, but his game has question marks.
He has no jumper or range on his shot and hasn't proven he can run the Kansas offense consistently. He's got good size and quickness, but for a point guard isn't a great ball handler and makes the boneheaded play too often. He's got some developing to do to become an NBA point guard.
Prediction: Second-round pick
There are other guys that would be second-round picks, including Kansas' Jeff Withey and Elijah Johnson. Both are top-100 prospects on our big board, but both guys would benefit greatly from staying in school.





.jpg)




