Jordan Brand Classic 2012: Best Players Who Participated in This Year's Game

The Jordan Brand Classic always features the filthiest high school players the nation has to offer, and this year's edition was no different.

This game was practically oozing talent, as future college and NBA stars showcased their games under the bright lights of Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

The West eventually took down the East 99-95 in a hard-fought and unusually defensive-oriented game. But although the West players earned some bragging rights, they won't necessarily be the last ones laughing when their careers are over.

Here are the three Jordan Brand Classic participants with the brightest futures.

Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

Muhammad reminds me a lot of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with his relentless motor, insane athleticism and blood-thirsty hunger for greatness.

He's already notorious for his work ethic and no-nonsense approach to the game. He busts his ass every second he's on the court, and Saturday's All-Star game was no exception. To nobody's surprise, when fellow blue-chipper Nerlens Noel was sent sprawling to the floor, it was Muhammad who delivered the hard foul.

He finished the game with 18 points and four rebounds on his way to being named MVP of the West. Next year, I'm expecting him to bring UCLA back to national prominence before continuing his career in the NBA.

Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

Noel has every tool necessary to be the next great big man at Kentucky.

His length, athleticism, timing and instincts are simply unteachable. He's a menace in the paint, erasing virtually every shot that flies through his area. Look for him to put up Anthony Davis-like shot-blocking numbers next season.

He's a little raw offensively, but he should develop nicely under the tutelage of John Calipari's staff. I know it's early for such lofty comparisons, but I'm expecting Noel to eventually flourish as a Kevin Garnett-type player in the NBA.

Kaleb Tarczewski, C, Arizona

I absolutely love Tarczewski's game. He's a powerful seven-footer who runs the floor and always stays active on the glass.

In the JBC, he was the only player to put up a double-double because he relentlessly attacked the offensive boards. He didn't have any plays run specifically for him, but he was able to create his own scoring opportunities by hunting down the ball and aggressively putting it back up.

Tarczewski will be a beast for Arizona next year, and based on his work ethic, I'm expecting him to make some drastic improvements during his tenure in Tucson. Look for Tarczewski to be a force in both the college and the NBA.