NBA Draft 2012: Ranking the Major Conferences by Draft Talent

The 2012 NBA Draft class is one of the most talented in recent memory, and it will showcase college basketball's biggest and brightest stars from March Madness.

Almost three quarters of June's draft picks will come from the traditional power conferences, but the talent among those conferences is not evenly distributed.

The Big Ten was highly competitive in 2011-12, but how many draft picks will it yield? Is there anyone from the Pac-12 worth selecting in the first round? How many lottery picks will the ACC and SEC have?

Here is a ranking and breakdown of the major conferences based on their 2012 draft prospects.

6. Pacific 12

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 3

Probable First-Round Picks: 2

Top Prospect: Tony Wroten, Washington Huskies

Beyond Washington's Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross, there isn't much for the Pac-12 to brag about in this year's draft.

In general, the conference was terrible this year, and it was essentially replaced by the Mountain West as the west's best conference.

If Wroten refines his jump shot and lands in the right NBA system, he could work wonders as a combo guard off the bench.

5. Big Ten

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 6

Probable First-Round Picks: 2

Top Prospect: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State's Jared Sullinger and Illinois' Meyers Leonard are the only locks for the first round from the Big Ten.

Sullinger's back problems raise caution flags, but his game has become so well-rounded that he's an irresistible prospect. His outside jumper is vastly improved, his footwork is NBA-ready and his motor is unquestioned.

Leonard is an attractive option for pro clubs based on sheer size. But don't be fooled into thinking that height is his only attribute. Illinois' tower has decent mobility, agility and some skill upside.

4. Big 12

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 10

Probable First-Round Picks: 3

Top Prospect: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

Baylor, Kansas and Missouri comprise the bulk of the Big 12's prospects, but Iowa State's Royce White is probably a first-rounder based on his size and versatility.

No one's draft stock skyrocketed quite like Thomas Robinson's. Last year he was the Jayhawks' sixth man, and this year he used his imposing physique and explosiveness to dominate the conference.

The second round will belong to Missouri. The Tigers will likely see Ricardo Ratliffe, Marcus Denmon and perhaps Kim English drafted between 31-60.

3. Atlantic Coast Conference

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 7-8

Probable First-Round Picks: 5

Top Prospect: Harrison Barnes, UNC Tar Heels

Depending on how things shake out, there might be four North Carolina Tar Heels selected in the lottery round. That's a testament to Roy Williams' recruiting prowess and ability to develop players to their full potential.

Duke star Austin Rivers is the most intriguing and polarizing prospect in the ACC. Despite his undeniable talent, there are some question marks about his future. Will he become a dependable floor general? Is he big and strong enough to handle duties on the wing?

2. Big East

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 11

Probable First-Round Picks: 4-5

Top Prospect: Andre Drummond, UConn Huskies

Andre Drummond and Jeremy Lamb didn't make much noise this March for Connecticut, but they'll make headlines in June when they both get picked in the lottery round of the draft. Drummond's body is NBA-ready, but are his skills or court sense?

The Big East could have as many as eight different teams represented in this year's draft, which shows how much talent is spread throughout the conference on any given year.

1. Southeastern Conference

Potential 2012 Draft Picks: 13

Probable First-Round Picks: 8

Top Prospect: Anthony Davis

Kentucky is the gold standard when it comes to NBA potential, and that's ultimately what makes the SEC the top conference for draft prospects this year.

But there are some gifted non-Wildcats, too. Florida guard Bradley Beal, Mississippi State forward Arnett Moultrie and Vanderbilt's trio all have the tools to be impact players in the league.

The overwhelming success that the conference has in this year's draft will likely bode well for future recruiting.