NBA Draft 2012 Predictions: 5 College Stars Who Will Go Undrafted

For many former college basketball stars, this Thursday's NBA draft will be a realization of their dreams, and a time to celebrate their entrance onto the biggest basketball stage on the planet. This list of former NCAA standouts, on the other hand, will not be so lucky through 60 selections.

The NBA is one of the most competitive leagues on the planet, and being a college star does not guarantee you a draft day selection.

For these players, a spot on an NBA roster will have to be earned after this Thursday.

Yancy Gates, PF, Cincinnati

Yancy Gates was a prominent name in college basketball last season, but unfortunately, it had little to do with basketball.

The shocking "Crosstown Shootout" brawl between Xavier and Cincinnati saw Gates throw a cheap shot at Xavier forward Kenny Frease, resulting in a six-game suspension for the Bearcat forward.

The incident, along with the six games missed, may have cost Gates dearly as the 22-year-old forward heads to the draft with high hopes.

Gates has been praised for his rebounding skills, along with his ability to play physically in the post and occasionally step out to knock down jump shots, according to ESPN.com.

Though Gates may have several positives going for him, his conditioning and motivation have been brought into question. Showing up at the Portsmouth Invitational (a tournament for NBA prospects) at a whopping 287 pounds didn't help the concerns with Gates's physical condition.

Come Thursday, it's not likely Gates will hear his name called. If he were able to play out his entire senior season at Cincinnati free of controversy, it may have been a different story for Yancy Gates.

It is not entirely unlikely that Gates could find his way onto an NBA roster in a post-draft signing, either.

Jordan Taylor, G, Wisconsin

The NBA is a much different world than college basketball. The players are bigger, better, and more athletic. And unfortunately for Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor, some styles of play may not translate.

As a disclaimer, stranger things have happened, and all you have to do is look at an undrafted player like Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks to understand that anything is possible in the world of sports.

That being said, the likelihood of Jordan Taylor being drafted is very slim at this point.

Taylor was an absolute dynamo in his time with the Wisconsin Badgers.

The 6'1" guard had an incredible junior season, averaging over 18.1 points per game along with 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds.

Unfortunately, Taylor's production dropped off somewhat significantly in his senior season when he scored 14.7 points per game, and barely shot 40 percent in doing so.

Some college stars will peak at just that, as ESPN's Andy Katz noted, and that may be the fate for the legendary Wisconsin Badger.

Robbie Hummel, F, Purdue

Robbie Hummel is another Big Ten star whose college stats will never resemble his pro stats. That is to say that Hummel will likely find his way onto a roster somehow, just not through the draft.

According to ESPN.com, Hummel's strong-suits appear in his excellent shooting ability, quality passing skills for a forward, and an high motor and work ethic.

Hummel's 16.3 points per game and 38 percent three point shooting during his senior campaign were impressive. Add in 7.1 rebounds per game and it seems Hummel is a great option late in the draft.

The main downfall with Hummel, though, is his overall lack of athleticism and poor defensive abilities.

Hummel is a niche player, and could be likened to Steve Novak of the New York Knicks if he finds his way into the league through a signing.

All is not lost for the Boilermaker standout.

Tu Holloway, PG, Xavier

Tu Holloway is right on the bubble of the NBA draft.

Some mock drafts have the Xavier product just sneaking in with the very last pick of the draft. Others have him on the outside looking in.

Either way, it's likely he'll be trying out for teams if he's drafted or not, and has the potential to make his way to the next level.

Yancy Gates and Holloway were two main culprits in the Cincinnati-Xavier brawl this past December, and it would be a shame if that incident halted both of the players from being drafted on June 28.

It's not unlikely, either.

Holloway is listed generously at 6'0" on ESPN.com, but other scouting sites, such as Draftexpress.com, have the Xavier guard listed at 5'11" with shoes. 

ESPN.com lists Holloway's top attributes as his speed, ability to penetrate, court vision and passing ability.

Holloway was touted as one of the top guards in the country when Xavier began last year as the No. 8 team in the country, and he mostly lived up to his billing.

He averaged 17 points per game in his senior season, and aside from the major "Crosstown Shootout" brawl blemish, Holloway showcased his skills.

NBA teams certainly aren't ready to give up on Holloway, but he may remain seated during this Thursday's draft.

Quincy Acy, PF, Baylor

Quincy Acy wasn't necessarily one of the biggest college players in the country last season, but he certainly was a star for the Baylor Bears.

Acy scored 12 points per game on just-under 58 percent shooting from the field as a senior, and his energy was unmistakable.

The Baylor big man scored nearly 40 percent of his field goals from thunderous dunks, according to NBADraft.net, and was nothing short of a crowd-pleaser all year.

Acy represents a player who's not necessarily excellent at any one aspect, but can do a lot of things fairly well.

He's a solid leaper, defender, rebounder, but lacks a developed offensive game, according to ESPN.com

He is listed anywhere from 6'6" to 6'8" which brings into question his size at the power forward position.

Judging by Quincy Acy's work ethic on and off the court, it would be hard to envision the 21-year-old not making an NBA roster at some point in the future.

Acy could potentially be a high-energy player off the bench, comparable to the Detroit Piston's Jason Maxiell.