NBA Draft 2012: Highly Talented Prospects Who Will Exceed Expectations

Whether it be a prospect's raw game or injury concerns, several highly-talented players have slipped down draft boards leading up to the 2012 NBA draft.

But, for some prospects, these concerns have been way overblown. You only have to look at their potential at the next level or their ability to play within the game to realize whoever lands them in the late first round will receive a great bargain.

Here's a look at three prospects widely considered to be late first-round picks who will surprise in the NBA.

Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

First of all, Festus Ezeli has NBA size for a center: 7'0", 264 pounds. He also has a 7'6" wingspan. 

Secondly, he has the potential to be a complete center: he's already an impressive shot-blocker, rebounds well and defends the post well. On top of that, he's shown signs of emerging on offense, with the potential to be a true double-double threat every night.

On the grand stage in the NCAA tournament this year, Ezeli posted eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks against Harvard. Then he went on to post 14 points and 11 rebounds against Wisconsin. He's also impressed in pre-draft workouts.

Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

You only have to look at Andrew Nicholson's average stats in his senior year at St. Bonaventure to know what he's capable of: 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 57 percent shooting.

He's a lanky, athletic big man with a 7'4" wingspan, and ESPN reported that  he "shot the ball as well as most of the guards at the NBA predraft camp."

Not surprising, given Nicholson's jump shooting improved exponentially in his senior season. He shot 43 percent from downtown last season.

Nicholson won Defensive Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference, but he's actually receiving praise for his offensive skills, too. He could land in the 20s in the draft. 

Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

I wasn't very high on Jared Sullinger even before his reported back problems, due to his lack of explosiveness and athleticism. 

But that doesn't mean I think Sullinger will have a poor NBA career. In fact, given he could be sliding to the late first round of the draft, he may be a steal.

If Sullinger's back holds up in the pros, he still has the post skills and knowledge of the game to be an impact player and potentially even a decent starter.

We've seen players throughout the years in the NBA without great athleticism who have still been able to make an impact. You do this by having great technique on the boards and playing smart basketball. I think Sullinger can do both at the next level. 

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