Jordan Brand Classic 2012: Star Players Heading for One-and-Done College Seasons

Every player at the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic is a potential superstar in the making. 

These kids will join the biggest programs in the country next year, and some of them could very well be the next Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyrie Irving or possibly even Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony.

Gone are the days of high-schoolers jumping straight to the pros. As a result, college coaches have changed their approach and we've seen how successful it can be. This year's national championship winning Kentucky team was fueled by two players who could easily be the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks this year.

After having so much success, could anyone blame them for bolting to the NBA?

Which players in this year's class, playing in the Jordan Brand Classic, have that potential?

There aren't many. 

(Full rosters can be found here)

Nerlens Noel: Committed to Kentucky

The No. 1 recruit in the country has a lot of growing to do. At 6'10", Noel is only 200 pounds and must add bulk in order to avoid floundering against stronger competition.

That said, he's a gifted athlete with elite shot-blocking skills. He has great length and is a terrific passer out of the post—something that will help if teams double down on him at the next level.

If Noel were allowed to join the NBA out of high school, it would be a huge risk for him. A year in college will allow him to toughen up in the post and work with a collegiate weight program to help bulk him up.

He chose Kentucky over Georgetown and Syracuse, and we know coach John Calipari has a reputation for boosting players into the league.

If anyone is going to push Noel to the pros in a year, it will Cal.

Shabazz Muhammad, Committed to UCLA

In reality, Muhammad is the only player in the 2012 class who is truly ready to handle the rigors of the NBA. At 6'6", 220 pounds, the UCLA commit is a gifted physical specimen with a non-stop motor and scoring chops.

He's consistently playing at top speed, knows how to attack defenders off the dribble and in the post and is a tireless defender.

He set a record for points scored at the Nike Summit this past year and will form one heck of a tandem alongside Kyle Anderson, another 5-star recruit, at UCLA.

That being said, it will only be for one year, since Muhammad is sure to go pro after dominating a weak Pac-12 conference.

The rest of this year's Jordan Brand Classic stars don't lack elite talent, but not many of them have the body type to thrive in the NBA just yet. A year of college may change things, but even Noel—the class' top prospect—has a lot of developing still to do.