NBA Draft 2012: 6 Potential Stars from Small Schools

We're three weeks away from the 2012 NBA draft, and while the night will be dominated by prospects from big schools that play in power conferences (Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, Florida, etc.), there are a handful of draftees who toil in relative obscurity at mid-majors and smaller places bound to come in and make an impact.

This draft won't just be about the Anthony Davises, Bradley Beals and Michael Kidd-Gilchrists of the world. There's a lot more to look for beneath that surface, some of which will go in the first round and one of whom is a surefire lottery pick.

Let's take a look at a few of those potential stars now.

6. Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara

Johnson made a huge impression on some scouts during his May workouts, according to ESPN's Chad Ford, who said that the 6'5", 223 lb shooting guard is now "being considered as a late first-rounder."

Johnson is a scorer, never averaging less than 18 points per game in any of his three seasons at Santa Barbara and topping out at 21.1 in his sophomore year. He made nearly 43 percent of his three-pointers this past year and is also seen as a player who can get to the rim with relative ease.

Should Johnson work his way into the first round, he could be a very good get for a team like the Bulls at No. 29. Chicago needs shooters/scorers and Johnson certainly fits that criteria.

5. Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech

Another 2-guard with impressive scoring skills, DraftExpress proclaimed Murphy "The best individual performer," at April's Portsmouth Invitational tournament.

Murphy averaged 20.6 points per game this past season and made 42 percent of his three-pointers. He's known as a shooter who can do it from both deep and mid-range, as well as put the ball on the floor and score at the rim.

Murphy was the seventh-leading Division 1 scorer in the nation this past year and has the game to come in and potentially make an impact quickly. It's not hard to see the Bulls taking a look at him at that No. 29 spot or, if he slips into the second round, the Wizards at No. 32.

4. Scott Machado, Iona

The dearth of pure point guards in this draft may well propel Machado, a 22-year-old senior, into the first round.

Machado, who led the nation in assists this past year with 10 per game, is a pass-first player for whom NBAdraft.net says, "the game just slows down."

When he looks to score, Machado can get to the basket—but again, his primary focus is getting open looks for his teammates. He improved his three-point shooting this past season, finishing the year at just over 40 percent and has great quickness and speed.

Machado has drawn interest from Detroit, which picks ninth in the second round, at No. 39 overall.

3. Kyle O'Quinn, Norfolk State

Ford notes that O'Quinn, a four-year senior from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, has the most buzz surrounding him out of a group of projected second-rounders.

Big men who can play are often a sought-after commodity in the NBA, which may be why O'Quinn is getting noticed right now. He averaged 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this past year and was both the MEAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. 

His motor has been an issue at times, but his skills aren't. He has good strength and athleticism, can block shots and even a nice little mid-range jumper. Don't be surprised of the Warriors, picking at No. 30 in the first round, take a flier on O'Quinn.

2. Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

A consensus first-rounder, multiple mocks have Nicholson going anywhere from the low 20s to 30th and Golden State.

A 6'9", 225-lb big man, Nicholson has a very unique set of skills. Thanks to his size, he's an excellent scorer around the rim. 

But man, can he shoot, too. Nicholson was a 43 percent shooter from three-point range last season. With a little bit more girth added on to his frame, he could be really scary. The Celtics have been rumored to be interested in Nicholson at either No. 21 or No. 22. 

Nicholson may not last that long.

1. Damian Lillard, Weber State

A lottery pick all the way, Lillard is seen as the best point guard in the draft, and the scouting report says he can do it all.

Getting to the basket? Check. Shooting from the perimeter? Check. Strength, physicality and court awareness? Check, check and check.

If Lillard lasts to No. 10, the Hornets will gladly scoop him up. But don't count out Portland at No. 6. Either way, Lillard, out of tiny Weber State in Ogden, Utah, is going to do some special things.