NBA Draft 2012: 5 Mid-Major Players Who Will Immediately Impress Their New Team

Everyone knows Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson and Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist heading into this year's 2012 NBA Draft, but what about the other guys?

And behind those guys, what about the other guys?

Mid-major players are basketball's other guys. They are usually talented, highly productive in college but questionable because they played junior varsity competition for four years, as opposed to blue-chip athletes each night.

Not every mid-major player winds up making it on the next level, but some find a way to fit into their new squad.

Let's take a look at five mid-major players who will immediately impress their new teammates, coaches and the front office that acquired them.

Andrew Nicholson, F, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson averaged around 17 points for the Bonnies over his four year career. He also hauled down 7.2 boards per game.

The Bonnies were able to make the NCAA tournament, and nearly upset Florida State in the second round, largely because of Nicholson's go-to presence.

Nicholson is versatile, hard working and extremely competitive on both ends of the floor. He can play on the low block, in the high post or even step out to the perimeter.

This versatility makes Nicholson an interesting option. His 6'9'' frame will allow him to play small, or power, forward in the NBA. This will create matchup problems for teams attempting to guard this skilled big man.

Nicholson is also a skilled defender. He averaged half a steal and two blocks per game over the course of his Bonnie career.

Nicholson will probably not go until late in the first round, or early in the second. Whoever takes a chance on this productive forward will not be disappointed.

He has the right attitude and skills to compete right away.

Drew Gordon, F, New Mexico

Gordon originally attended UCLA, but transferred to New Mexico in January 2010. Gordon's game has improved by leaps and bounds since joining the Lobos.

Gordon does not have Nicholson's skills, but he has a ton of energy, works hard and is very explosive toward the rim.

He averaged a double-double in his final two collegiate seasons. Neither season saw his average points per game clear 15, but his workman-like effort gave the Lobos a go-to target in crunch time.

Gordon averaged over one block per game during his college career, showing his explosiveness. He stands 6'9', but his long arms allow him to disrupt plenty of shots.

NBA teams will probably not consider Gordon until the second round, but they should definitely give him a look.

His energy, fundamentals and nose for the ball will make a difference at the next level.

Alex Young, G/F, IUPUI

Young's versatility and athleticism will make him an intriguing wing player in the NBA rookie class next season.

Young played four non-competitive seasons for the Jaguars. This may have skewed his statistics some, but Young is definitely talented.

His scoring increased each season, culminating in a 20.4 average per game last season. He also improved his three-point shot, but still does not shoot above 35-percent.

Young is also a solid defender (averaged one block and 1.6 steals per game last season) and a capable rebounder because of his lanky 6'6'' frame.

The NBA is all about speed and athleticism.

Young has both.

He is a raw athlete with tremendous upside. If he can develop his jumper, refine his technique and prove himself against elite competition, he could be a very interesting player down the road.

Kevin Murphy, G, Tennessee Tech

Murphy averaged 20-plus points for the Golden Eagles last season. He also snagged five-plus rebounds and dished over assists per contest.

Murphy is a long, lanky guard with a developing perimeter stroke. He shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc last season, but shot around 32 percent in the last two years combined.

His skinny frame will not allow him to get underneath in the NBA, and his handle is not tight enough to beat defenders off the dribble.

Murphy will need his three-point shooting stroke to push him toward scoring at the next level.

NBA teams love taking sharpshooters with upside in other areas of their game.

Murphy's skills, and current shooting ability, lend themselves to improvement under the right NBA tutelage.

Don't expect Murphy to be selected until the mid-to-late second round. Whoever takes a chance on Murphy will be happy with the all-around player he becomes.

Damian Lillard/Scott Machado, G, Weber State/Iona

I am going to cheat and mention two guys at once. I would be remiss if I didn't mention two of the 2012 NBA Draft's three best point guards.

Lillard will be selected in the first round. Machado will last until the second round.

Both are dangerous, and capable, NBA players but each plays a different style.

Lillard was the NCAA's second-leading scorer last season. He is not a prolific outside shooter but is extremely explosive in the open floor.

Lillard's quick first step and elusiveness will transfer directly to the NBA's open-floor mindset. Lillard will be a great lead guard for any team playing in a fast-paced attack.

Machado is a different story.

The former Iona point guard can run, but his passing is his best asset. He averaged 9.9 assists per game last season.

Machado is a capable outside shooter who plays the game looking for open teammates. If someone else is open, Machado will find them.

Mentioning these two together seemed fitting.

Two different players with different styles, both of which may be selected after North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall.

NBA teams may be more familiar with Marshall's name, but they should be careful before overlooking Lillard and Machado's breathtaking abilities.