NBA Draft 2012: Prospects Soaring Up Draft Boards

As we approach the 2012 NBA draft, teams have gotten a better look at prospects through workouts and interviews.

Some prospects have skyrocketed up draft boards leading up to the draft, whether it be excelling in workouts or erasing concerns about their character.

Here's a look at five prospects who have risen the most since before the draft process. 

5. Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky

Terrence Jones has always been considered very talented, but consistency and maturity issues early on in his Kentucky career gave scouts pause.

Jones' performance in the NCAA tournament this year changed everything. He's a versatile player who can play both the 3 and the 4, and I personally think he will become the next Lamar Odom (pre-Dallas). I wouldn't be surprised if the Golden State Warriors grabbed him at No. 7 overall. 

4. John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt

John Jenkins has been considered a second-rounder for much of the pre-draft process, but he absolutely lit it up at the Santa Barbara workout in late May, going 12-of-15 from the NBA three-point line.

He doesn't have great size or athleticism, but he can flat-out shoot the basketball. In that sense, I could see the Chicago Bulls selecting him at No. 28 overall. He's just what they need to stretch the floor at shooting guard.

3. Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Marquis Teague is raw, but he grew by leaps and bounds in his freshman season. Kentucky coach John Calipari, who has a history of developing All-Star point guards, was noticeably frustrated with Teague early on last season, but grew to become his biggest fan.

Teague not only demonstrated a better feel for the game in the NCAA tournament, he has also the ability to go on scoring surges. Anywhere in the 20s would be a good value pick. 

2. Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Arnett Moultrie needs to add strength, but he's long, athletic and can jump out of the gym. He can score inside and outside, and he proved to be a force on the glass in his junior year at Mississippi State. On potential alone, he could be a lottery pick.

1. Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

There are still some lingering concerns about Dion Waiters' character and defense after a rough first season at Syracuse under Jim Boeheim. Those have all but evaporated, though, after his stunning sophomore campaign.

Last season, Waiters shot 47 percent from the floor coming off the bench and showed more dedication on the defensive side of the ball, averaging 1.8 steals in the process. He's an electric, powerful finisher who can knock it down from outside, and he has the potential to even play point guard in the NBA given his ball-handling skills. There is even talk that he'll be a top-10 pick now.

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