NBA Draft 2012: 5 Prospects Set Up to Fail at the Next Level

With the end of both the NCAA tournament and the madness of March comes the time for college basketball's best to make a few important decisions.

For seniors, the next step is simple: They must hope for the best.

However, the question for underclassmen—who have remaining years of eligibility—is whether to stay or go?

Though many have already outgrown the college game and look ready to challenge the world's best in the NBA, not every amateur superstar is cut out to taste success at the next level.

Join Bleacher Report as we take a closer look at five 2012 NBA draft prospects who are destined to fail at the next level.

Fab Melo, Syracuse

Syracuse sophomore Fab Melo has the size and frame to survive in the NBA as a serviceable center off the bench.

His ability to alter shots in the paint and to contend with other bigs on the boards will make him a coveted piece this offseason. However, it will take a serious development job to bring Melo's offensive game up to par.

The seven-footer averaged nearly three blocks per game this past season with the Orange, but averaged fewer than six rebounds per game while shooting less than 64 percent from the foul line.

Royce White, Iowa State

Royce White demonstrated why he is deserving of a look from NBA scouts this spring with his strong play during the NCAA tournament for the Iowa State Cyclones. However, his off-court issues, anxiety disorder and legitimate fear of flying seem poised to derail his future prospects.

The 6'8" small forward averaged an impressive 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and five assists per game last season with Iowa State, but his 50 percent free-throw shooting percentage and 3.8 turnovers per game suggest he will struggle with inconsistency at the next level.

J'Covan Brown, Texas

This 22-year-old point guard took a major step in his development this past season with the Texas Longhorns, doubling his scoring output from 10.4 points to 20.1 points per game.

However, the trouble with Brown's scoring prowess is the fact that he is a point guard, and will be called upon to distribute in the NBA. If Brown has to switch to a shooting guard position, his small stature will likely hurt his chances of making it at the next level.

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

The one thing holding North Carolina's Harrison Barnes back from succeeding in the NBA is his inability to consistently create his own shot.

Barnes is a phenomenal athlete; there is no denying it. However, he hardly presents a significant threat to drive the ball to the basket, possession after possession, to open up a defense.

The demeanor that Barnes displayed throughout the NCAA tournament was disappointing as well. Barnes looked uninspired and willing to settle at times, which bodes terribly for his chances of success as a pro.

Maalik Wayns, Villanova

The junior floor general out of Philadelphia has improved in every season with Villanova, yet his 6'1" frame and lack of a dependable jump shot will certainly diminish his chances of experiencing continued success in the NBA.

Wayns shot just 41.4 percent from the field this past season with the Big East's Wildcats, and hit only 29.8 percent of his three-point attempts. 

There is no question that Wayns can hold his own against bigger guards and defenders, but he will absolutely struggle to balance all the critical roles of a point guard at the next level.

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