NBA Draft 2012: Analyzing Latest Buzz on Top Prospects

With Kentucky sitting atop the college basketball world, it's time for every school in the nation to move on to the goodbyes. Seniors' basketball careers are over, highly-touted underclassmen are heading for the pros and a few juniors will forgo their senior year.

In other words, it's almost time for the 2012 NBA draft.

With controversy and craziness arising at every turn, it's hard to keep track of everything that's going on. Between the questionable decisions and irritating indecision, it's easy to lose track or interest.

Fortunately for you, I'm here to give all the latest buzz on the top prospects in the 2012 NBA draft.

Enjoy.

Staying in School

Florida's Patric Young highlights a group of four notable players who have officially declared their intent to remain in school. Alongside him will be Creighton's Doug McDermott, UNLV's Mike Moser and Texas' Myck Kabongo.

While McDermott and Moser's draft stocks each took a hit with early tournament departures, Kabongo was expected by some to be a late first- or early second-round draft pick.

Young, on the other hand, was widely considered the third-best center prospect behind Connecticut's Andre Drummond and Indiana's Cody Zeller.

A big opportunity has presented itself for Illinois' Meyers Leonard to fight his way back into the lottery.

Likely to Declare

According to ESPN's in/out list, the Kentucky trio of Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Terrence Jones highlights a handful of big-name players who have yet to declare. The one constant amongst these players is that they all have "one foot out the door."

Amongst these players are Kansas' Thomas Robinson, Florida's Bradley Beal, Connecticut's Jeremy Lamb and Duke's Mason Plumlee. Other names include NC State's C.J. Leslie, Duke's Mason Plumlee, UCLA's Josh Smith and North Texas' Tony Mitchell.

The surprising name you'll find on this list is Indiana's Christian Watford.

Watford made a name for himself with his buzzer-beater that gave Kentucky its only regular season loss of the year. It should be noted that in addition to the clutch shot, Watford scored 20 points while being defended by Kidd-Gilchrist.

Could Watford be a potential steal?

UNC Trio

In case you haven't heard, a North Carolina trio of Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Kendall Marshall is headed for the NBA. Don't be surprised to see all three of those players off the board before the lottery is over.

Barnes is widely expected to be a top-five draft choice, while Marshall is considered the best pure point guard on the board. Henson doesn't have quite as much hype behind him but is also considered a potential lottery pick due to his length and leadership qualities.

Quite a significant declaration from the Tar Heels favorites.

Small-School Declarations

Lehigh's junior combo guard C.J. McCollum, who was at the heart of the Mountain Hawks' historic upset of the Duke Blue Devils, has officially declared for the 2012 NBA draft. Following him is Memphis sophomore Will Barton, who led the Tigers with 18 points and eight rebounds per game.

Neither player is expected to come off the board in the first round, but both are considered potential second-round draft picks with high value.

Expect both to be in play for an early second-round draft choice.

Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Player Traits: Point Guard - Junior - 6'3" - 195 pounds

Damian Lillard, considered by ESPN's Chad Ford the top point guard prospect, has officially declared for the 2012 NBA draft.

The 6'3" point guard was second in the nation in scoring, averaging 24.5 points per game. He also hauled in 5.0 rebounds and dished out 4.0 assists, eventually earning himself the honor of Big Sky Player of the Year.

Come June, he could earn the honor of point guard of the future for a lottery franchise.

Projected Draft Status: Lottery Pick

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Player Traits: Power Forward - Sophomore - 6'9" - 280 pounds

Jared Sullinger's decision to declare for the NBA draft was not nearly as surprising as his decision to return after his freshman season. The 280-pound forward was a two-time All-American and guided the Buckeyes to the Final Four.

When asked about the Buckeyes' historic season and his decision, Sullinger displayed the "me against the world" attitude we're all used to witnessing:

"

Going to the Final Four with a team that many people said we weren't good enough, weren't strong enough, weren't mentally tough enough, and still being able to get to the Final Four with all the ups and downs we had, I think that was tremendous for this basketball team. ... Once we got to the Final Four, we were trying to win it. But unfortunately, we fell short. I feel at peace with the decision I'm making.

"

Sullinger will forever live on as an Ohio State legend and should go down as one of the best college basketball players of this generation. As for how his skills will translate to the NBA level, head coach Thad Matta gave insight as to what separates him from the rest:

"

I've always said he's one of the most intellectual players I've ever coached. ... He came in that way as a freshman. The thing is that people don't know he studies the game. Not only the college game, but the NBA game. He can tell you a lot about a lot of NBA issues. For him, the timing is definitely right.

"

Projected Draft Status: Top-10 Draft Choice

Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

Player Traits: Center - Sophomore - 7'0" - 240 pounds

Meyers Leonard has been considered one of the best prospects at his position for the duration of the season. While his stock has dropped out of lottery contention, mainly due to the Fighting Illini's inability to qualify for NCAA tournament play, he's certain to find a home in the mid to late first round as contenders look for depth at the 5.

The Chicago Tribune broke the story earlier today. According to the article, Illinois' new coach John Groce did not expect him to stay. It's not hard to imagine Groce's arrival and Bruce Weber's firing played a role in this decision.

Projected Draft Position: Mid to Late First Round

Mississippi State Duo

Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie has officially declared for the 2012 NBA draft, confirming speculation that the Bulldogs' star forward would make the leap and turn pro.

Surprisingly, Moultrie isn't the only forward leaving Starkville.

6'10", 285-pound forward Renardo Sidney will be joining Moultrie this June after he shocked everyone and signed an agent.

This ends his college eligibility and leaves everyone asking one question: What is Renardo Sidney thinking?

Syracuse Tandem Turning Pro

Two of Syracuse's standout players, shooting guard Dion Waiters and center Fab Melo, have officially declared draft availability. Both men will sign agents, ending their collegiate eligibility.

Both men are potential first-round draft choices, with Waiters going anywhere from No. 15 to 25 and Melo anywhere from No. 25 to the second round. Regardless of where they come off the board, both are expected to be high-impact players at the next level.

Waiters confirmed his decision with an official statement, via CNY Central:

"

I've decided to pursue my dream of becoming a professional basketball player by entering my name in the NBA Draft this spring. I plan on signing with an agent.

"

These two men just instilled optimism in numerous general managers' hearts.

Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Player Traits: Shooting Guard - Sophomore - 6'6" - 195 pounds

Terrence Ross came into the season as one of the more highly-touted sophomores in the nation. After an up-and-down season that included a snub from the 2012 NCAA tournament and an NIT semifinal loss to Minnesota, Ross has decided that he's had enough college ball for one lifetime.

According to the University of Washington's official school newspaper The Daily, Ross has officially declared for the 2012 NBA draft and will sign an agent.

The 6'6" shooting guard is expected to go in the mid to late first round, potentially landing on a contender and receiving early playing time.

Projected Draft Status: Mid to Late First Round

Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Player Traits: Point Guard - Freshman - 6'5" - 205 pounds

According to an Associated Press report, Tony Wroten Jr. has officially declared for the 2012 NBA draft. This took some by surprise, as Wroten's Washington Huskies failed to make the NCAA tournament.

According to Wroten, however, it's what had to be done:

"

I wish we could have [made the tournament]. But at the end of the day I think everything happens for a reason and I would have loved to be in the NCAA tournament ... but I just have to move forward.

"

As for Wroten's status as a prospect, his size alone has caught eyes. At 6'5", he's bigger than the average point guard, yet has the quickness and athleticism to defend any of the smaller players. Between that and his athleticism and court vision—two traits he won't hesitate to tell you about—Wroten makes for quite an intriguing prospect who should go higher than you'd expect.

Draft Projection: Lottery to Mid First Round

Trey Burke, Michigan Wolverines

Player Traits: Point Guard - Freshman - 6'1" - 175 pounds

Multiple sources, including CBS Sports and USA Today, are reporting that Michigan's Trey Burke will leave Ann Arbor after just one season. His potential destination, of course, would be the 2012 NBA draft.

The decision can only be described as shocking, as Burke's name has come up on none too many mock drafts. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, he could even go undrafted. More importantly, he could be going too soon.

A glimpse of hope can be offered by Trey Burke's father, Benji, and his tweet from yesterday afternoon: "Trey Burke has not declared for the NBA draft. He is still enrolled at the University of Michigan."

Projected Draft Status: Second Round to Undrafted