NBA Draft 2012: Mid-Major Players Who Will Make Smooth Transition to Next Level
Mid-major players are often overlooked in the realm of college basketball. The competition isn't the same, you probably don't know where the school is located and chances are you can't name another player from their alma mater.
All of these things factor into their traditional status as afterthoughts. Outside of Portland's selection of Damian Lillard at No. 6 overall, no team took a chance on any player outside of the country's "blue blood" programs.
A few players will make NBA teams regret overlooking their skills. Let's take a look at three of those wrongfully overlooked, small-school stars.
Nicholson is going to be a consistent double-double threat in the NBA. He won't replace Dwight Howard in Orlando, but he will validate himself as a first-round pick relatively quickly.
He has long arms, works hard on both ends of the floor and averaged close to a double-double in his career at St. Bonaventure. He wasn't a "sexy" pick, but he gets the job done. If I had to compare his game, I'd go put him somewhere in the David West, Brandon Bass range.
Nicholson is a capable scorer in the low post, but he's also dangerous stepping out. He has a solid mid-range game and he handles the ball well for a big man.
He was one of the more talked about guys from a small school, and he was actually taken at the right time in the draft. Nicholson's versatility and work ethic will allow him to make a very smooth transition to the next level.
Kyle O'Quinn
The Magic landed another quality big man in the second round in O'Quinn. Following Norfolk State's first-round upset of Missouri in the NCAA tournament, the nation became enamored with this post player's offensive repertoire.
O'Quinn averaged a double-double in his final two college seasons. He doesn't have long arms for a player his size (6'10''), but he has an underrated array of scoring moves. He shoots well with both hands, turns over either shoulder and can score facing the rim.
Defensively O'Quinn may be a bit of a liability, but he's a consistent presence on one end of the floor. Expect him to make Orlando's roster and to earn more minutes than you may anticipate from a Norfolk State Spartan.
Kevin Murphy
Murphy would be better known if he had gone to Tennessee, or even Middle Tennessee State, but most people don't really know Tennessee Tech even exists.
After Murphy's career is over they will.
This is a guy who scored 50 points in one game last season. He's an excellent three-point shooter, and his height (6'6'') will play very well as an NBA wing. He has an explosive first step, and his size gives him an advantage over smaller guards in the lane.
The Jazz were 27th in the NBA in three-point shots last year. Their frontcourt is wrought with talent, but they desperately needed an infusion in their backcourt. Murphy will be that guy despite his small-school reputation and second-round status.
He is a very dangerous scorer and he will provide instant offense off the bench immediately.
