NBA Draft 2012: Jared Sullinger and the 10 Best Sophomores

The 2012 NBA draft is approaching, and it's time to begin dissecting it now that all the underclassmen have announced their intentions.

While the top 10 picks will be filled with freshmen, there will be a number of impact sophomores this season as well.

It will begin becoming increasingly rare for sophomores to be occupying a large percentage of the first round with a majority of impact players opting to enter the draft after one year.

Here are the 10 best sophomores that will be called on draft day and tower over NBA commissioner David Stern.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

The 6'8" Sullinger opted to come back for his Sophomore season despite the fact that he could have been a top-five pick last season.

When you first look at Sullinger, you notice his incredibly thick frame. He is listed at 270 pounds, which means he will not get bullied by any power forward in the NBA.

He averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game along with 1.2 assists.

Draft Express is impressed with his mid-range jumper and defensive prowess.

Sullinger will certainly go in top half of the first round, but there are concerns about his athleticism and a potential long-term injury risk considering his large frame.

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Barnes is a 6'8" small forward out of North Carolina.

He averaged 17.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season.

Barnes has a smooth mid-range jumper and has the ability to hit shots from virtually all spots. He is a very smart player as well, which will help lengthen his career when his skills start to deteriorate.

He must learn how to impact a game when his shot is not at its best though. He has been criticized for being one-dimensional at times, thus having a ceiling as a complementary player as opposed to a franchise player.

Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

Marshall is a prototypical point guard. He is a bit taller, at 6'4", but possesses terrific instincts and passing abilities to improve his teammates.

He is very unselfish, as he averaged more assists, 9.8, than points, 8.1 per game. In fact, he may only be a fit for a team that has several other scoring options because at this point he is not suited to be a primary scoring option.

In the right system, his talents will flourish and allow him to be an All-Star caliber point guard with the benefit of an elite scorer on his side.

Jeremy Lamb, UConn

Perhaps no player has more projectability than Jeremy Lamb. The 6'5" shooting guard has a freakish wing span of over seven feet.

Lamb is a very smooth and quick player who has proven to be a confident and consistent shooter.

He was able to average 17.7 points per game, despite only averaging 3.6 free throw attempts for game. His biggest room for improvement is in his size. If he is able to bulk up, which should certainly happen with time, he will be able to drive more frequently and draw fouls as opposed to pulling up and taking difficult shots.

NBADraft.net compares Lamb to Reggie Miller, which bodes well for his future if he is able to continue in his development.

Perry Jones, Baylor

Perry Jones is certainly a physical specimen at 6'11" and 235 pounds.

His combination of size, inside shooting ability, ball-handling skills and interior post moves will make teams fantasize about having a dominant big man for the next decade or so.

He averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and was able to hold his own against Anthony Davis in the Elite 8 matchup.

The criticism of Jones is his dedication. NBADraft.net has wondered whether he gives 100 percent effort on the court or uses his ability to coast at times.

Jones can also benefit from bulking up which will enable him to withstand physical play at the next level.

Meyers Leonard, Illinois

This 7'0" center from Illinois has the potential to be a dominating big man in the NBA.

He is an extremely talented defender that displays great body control and shot-blocking ability.

Leonard averaged 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds during the season and is a capable shooter, but must limit his turnovers which was a bit high at 2.1 per game.

In addition, he must develop more well-rounded repertoire of moves in order to be a consistent scorer in the NBA. He will have an immediate impact on defense.

Terrence Jones, Kentucky

The 6'8" small forward is a bit of a hybrid on the court, which may force a position change at the next level.

Jones is not a particularly talented shooter and struggles at the line (63 percent). His offensive strength is in his explosiveness which allows for easy, short distance shots.

His biggest attribute is his athleticism, which allows for steals and blocks to create fast breaks. Jones averaged 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds which was in large part to his long arms which allow him to grab boards which appear to be out of his range.

Not a franchise player but certainly a solid complementary player on a winning team.

Terrence Ross, Washington

Ross is raw prospect but possesses a smooth shot for a 6'7" player. He is not someone who loves to dribble; he is more inclined to catch-and-shoot.

His shooting statistics (37 percent from three, and 77 percent from the line) should improve with experience due to his terrific form.

He has a very good vertical, which enables him to dunk over players taller than him.

His weakness is on the defensive end, which should improve given his tremendous athleticism.

Ross will need to bulk up if he is to have any impact on the inside and get to the line more frequently (only 2.7 times per game).

Royce White, Iowa State

Royce White will be a gamble for whoever chooses to select him. Certainly a gamble with an incredibly high ceiling though.

This season he averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.2 steals. That is certainly enticing for a team in need of an all-around player.

He had a solid NCAA tournament, scoring 23 points and shooting 9-for-12 against Kentucky.

White was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which could be a concern. He also had some behavior issues, which could potentially scare some teams away who have a prudent approach.

Also, he shot 49.8 percent from the line which certainly must improve at the next level.

Dion Waiters, Syracuse

Waiters is a guard that has played both the one and the two. At 6'4", the height may be more suited to be a point guard, but he averaged only 2.5 assists per game.

He has the ability to shoot from any angle and make difficult shots. He has the range to shoot threes and shot a respectable 36 percent last season.

Waiters is a high-motor player who must do the small things to contribute. He has solid skills but does not have one particular strong point that would allow him to be a starter on many teams.

Waiters will go towards the end of the first and become a solid backup shooting guard for an up-and-coming team.