NBA Draft 2012: Future Stars That Will Fall Past the Lottery Picks

While everyone focuses on the first few picks of the NBA draft, there are potential diamonds in the rough in this year's class.

It seems like there are fewer sleepers in basketball than other sports, but every so often, a player like Jeremy Lin comes out of nowhere to shine on the main stage.

These players are low on draft boards for different reasons, but once they enter the league, they will be fixtures for a number of years.

Dion Waiters, Syracuse

The sophomore guard might have come off the bench every game, but he was among the team's most important players once he was on the court.

Waiters needs to improve his shooting to succeed in the NBA, but he knows how to score even when his shot is not falling. 

He plays great defense and has good size and handle to be a point guard at the next level.

Royce White, Iowa State

White is one of the most versatile players in the country, and this skill will help him succeed as a wing in the NBA.

He is 6'8", but he has the handle of a point guard. The sophomore also led his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. 

Once a team gives him a chance on the floor, he will do everything he can to help them win. 

Jae Crowder, Marquette

Crowder was a great leader for Marquette, and now he can become a leader in the NBA.

He is solid size at small forward, and he can also help a team by defend multiple positions. The senior is also athletic enough to get to the rim, but he has a solid outside shot to keep defenders honest. 

There are few things Crowder cannot do, and it will help him have a successful professional career.