NBA Draft 2012: The 10 Most Underrated Draft Prospects

By now, you probably have already figured out that the New Orleans Hornets will select Kentucky Wildcats shot-blocking phenom Anthony Davis.

As a freshman, Davis and the rest of the star-studded Kentucky team, led the Wildcats to their first NCAA title since 1998.

Without a doubt, Davis is the biggest name in the draft, but what about the players that are not named Davis: Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger and Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist.

Every year several players slip through the cracks. This past season, rookies Iman Shumpert (New York Knicks), Norris Cole (Miami Heat) and Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets) all were instrumental in their teams making the playoffs. However, all three were drafted after No. 15, while several players who were drafted ahead of them, did not make a buzz this season.

Which no-name players will make an impact in this year's draft? Several players played in obscurity this past season. They may not have the big names of some players mentioned earlier, but NBA execs know who they are.

Here's a top 10 list of the most underrated players in the 2012 NBA draft.

Enjoy!

10. Arnett Moultrie (PF) Mississippi State

One thing that Arnett Moultrie does well is rebound.

The 6'11'' Moultrie played like a man amongst boys for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Moultrie led the SEC in rebounding (10.5) and led the Dogs in scoring with almost 16 points a game, and had a team-high 18 double-doubles.

While Anthony Davis of Kentucky received much press, Moultrie quietly went about his job. His quite demeanor is both a positive and negative. Although he has a high-motor, he is not vocal enough for a player that talented.

Other draft frontcourt prospects: Davis, Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger and Andre Drummond will go before Moultrie in the draft. Moultrie will probably go between 18 and 25.

Moultrie's game may not be as hyped as the aforementioned players, but he will be a good player at the next level.

Would fit in perfect with Boston, Detroit and Philadelphia.

9. Kyle O'Quinn (PF) Norfolk State

Kyle O'Quinn became a household name in the 2012 NCAA tournament.

O'Quinn (6'10") scored a game-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead 15th-seeded Norfolk State (Spartans) to a major upset over second-seeded Missouri (Tigers) 86-84.

The 2012 MEAC Player-of-the-Year dominated play at the pre-draft workouts at the Portsmouth Invitational, earning MVP honors.

O'Quinn was a project when he arrived at Norfolk State. His first two seasons were dismal, but in his final two seasons as a Spartan, O'Quinn—through hard work—improved as a player.

Despite his bulk (240 pounds), O'Quinn is very nimble on his feet. He can even step outside an hit the outside jumper up to 15 feet.

Teams that could use O'Quinn are: Detroit, Golden State and Brooklyn.

8. Will Barton (SG) Memphis

Don't be fooled by Will Barton's size of weighing only 175 pounds; the 6'6'' guard is wiry and deceptively strong for his size.

Although Barton doesn't stand out in one particular area, he does possess a high basketball IQ.

Offensively, his game resembles that of Chicago Bulls' guard Rip Hamilton. Barton is always in constant motion. His jump shot is not a thing of beauty, but it's effective. And although he moves well without the ball, Barton is better with the ball in his hands.

With his size and length, Barton could become a defensive menace. His versatility allows him to guard not only shooting guards, but small forwards and point guards as well.

Barton may not have the high-profile game as others in his draft class, but a team that is willing to give him time to develop, could reap big dividends.

Teams that would a good fit for him are: Chicago, Utah and the hometown Memphis Grizzlies.

7. John Jenkins (SG) Vanderbilt

Without a doubt, Vanderbilt's John Jenkins is the best shooter in the 2012 NBA draft.

Jenkins has unlimited range, and his shooting technique is picture perfect.

Although Jenkins is not that quick, he moves well without the ball and is very intelligent.

A system like the Los Angeles Lakers could use a player like Jenkins. Jenkins would be a perfect fit because of his ability to draw attention as a shooter.

Other teams that could use his services are Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.

6. Quincy Acy (PF) Baylor

Not many players in this draft class exemplifies the emotions and intensity that Baylor's Quincy Acy does.

The 6'8" power forward is very athletic and thrives in the open-court.

Was a key member of a Baylor Bears team that made the Elite Eight this season, where they lost to eventual champion Kentucky Wildcats. While fellow teammates Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller received more ink, Acy was the heart-and-soul of the team.

Acy doesn't excel in many areas offensively, but he is very active on the offensive boards. Defensively, his intensity and leaping ability makes up for his lack of height.

It remains a mystery if Acy gets drafted. Several reports have questioned his true measureable statistics. However, no one should question his love for the game.

Acy would be an asset for teams like Charlotte, Milwaukee and Philadelphia.

5. Jeffery Taylor (SF) Vanderbilt

One player that has made a great leap in pre-draft buzz is Vanderbilt's Jeffery Taylor.

The 6'6'' small forward played in the shadows of teammates John Jenkins and center Festus Ezeli.

Taylor brings a lot of versatility to the game. He is very athletic (40-inch vertical), has great size and is a great defender. Offensively, he is a streaky outside shooter, but can hit the three when left open.

The main area where Taylor struggles is ball-handling. However, Taylor overall will be a good pick to a team that needs versatility.

Teams such as the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls would be a perfect fit for Taylor.

4. Scott Machado (PG) Iona

The point guard position has become the premier position in professional basketball.

Teams that possess great point guards are usually the ones that are consistent winners. No where is that more evident than in Boston (Rajon Rondo), Los Angeles Clippers (Chris Paul), Chicago (Derrick Rose) and Oklahoma City (Russell Westbrook).

Teams lacking strong point play might want to consider looking at Iona point guard Scott Machado.

Machado is a pass-first point guard. He led the nation in assists (almost 10 per contest) as a senior. Is very intelligent with the ball, and has great court-vision.

Is very short (6'1") and not that quick. However, Machado is very coachable and brings a high basketball IQ to the game.

Teams that could use Machado's services are: Memphis, Detroit and Miami.

3. Doron Lamb (SG) Kentucky

Doron Lamb may not have been as established as his Kentucky teammates: Anthony Davis, Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrance Jones and Marquis Teague but he was just as valuable.

Lamb doesn't stand out in any particular area, but is efficient.

He possess a great mid-range game, is a decent three-point shooter, and is very active without the ball.

However, Lamb is something of a tweener. Although he is 6'4", Lamb is small for the shooting guard position. He lacks the skills to play point guard. However, Lamb is a hard-worker and brings about a cool demeanor to the game.

Teams that could use his services are: New Orleans, Houston and Washington.

2. Kim English (SG) Missouri

Missouri's shooting guard Kim English definitely belongs on this list.

The 6'6'' guard is not a standout in any particular area, but English is very intelligent.

English possess a high basketball IQ and is very steady. He improved over his career at Missouri. No where did he improved more than his outside shooting.

English is very reliable from three-point range. Defensively, his height allows him to guard most backcourt players, but he is capable of guarding small forwards as well.

Teams that could use his versatility are: Utah, Orlando and Portland.

1. Kevin Jones (PF) West Virginia

Over his four-year career at West Virginia, forward Kevin Jones made great strides.

The 6'8'' big man brings passion to the game.

He doesn't particular stand out in any area, but is very crafty. Offensively, Jones has a nice mid-range game and possess soft hands.

Defensively, he is not that athletic but is a great rebounder. He is somewhat of a tweener as well. Too short to play the small forward spot, and not tall enough to play power forward.

However, teams like Cleveland, Minnesota and Phoenix could use a player of Jones's status.