NBA Mock Draft: Where Jared Sullinger and the Rest of the Big Men End Up

Now that college basketball season is in full swing, it is time to think about a few of these magnificent players going to the next level and playing pro ball in the NBA.  The game is bigger, stronger and faster and requires a big transition to get used to the pace.

As we all know, the big men are some of the most important positions in the NBA.  

Here is a projection of where the big men fall in the 2011 NBA draft.

*Note: The NBA might not even be playing next year, which could effect some of the younger players' decisions to enter the draft.

Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Jared Sullinger

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes yells after a dunk against the Florida Gators November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Sullinger would be a great pick-up for the Timberwolves in the draft.  The 6'9", 280-pound freshman power forward out of Ohio State is having a brilliant season, especially for a big man.  

In his first eight games as a Buckeye, Sullinger has averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game.

Sullinger is proving himself a big presence under the post and will only get better after facing the Big Ten's talented lineup of big men.

Washington Wizards: PF Derrick Williams

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats drives in front of Marc Trasolini #15 of the Santa Clara Broncos during the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational at The Orleans Arena November 26, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Pho

The Wizards really need a big man in the block to be able to contribute baskets to the team.  This along with rebounding is definitely an improvement that is needed for the Wizards.  That is why Derrick Williams would be a great fit for them.

Williams the 6'8" sophomore power forward is having another great year for the Arizona Wildcats.

He is averaging 19.5 points, seven rebounds, a block and a steal per game.  Along with his great post presence, he has the ability to step out and hit a three.  He would be a great asset to any team.

Houston Rockets: PF Donatas Motiejunas

Yet another European big man.  Matiejunas, the seven-footer out of Lithuania, will be a great acquisition to any NBA squad.  He has played some great ball over in Europe and will continue being a great player and developing into a star.

Milwaukee Bucks: C Enes Kanter

The 6'11" Kanter is a different story completely.  This dominant European player was supposed to be going to the University of Kentucky, but was deemed ineligible because he received money from a club team in Europe.

Either way, Kanter is a great pick-up and should be a dominant player in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors: PF Trey Thompkins

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NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 12: Trey Thompkins #33 of the Georgia Bulldogs goes up for a shot attempt the Vanderbilt Commodores during the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Thompkins is a great power forward out of Georgia.  He is a junior and having his best season as of yet, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game this season.

He is really establishing himself as one of the best post men in the country and will continue having a great season when they enter SEC play.

Portland Trail Blazers: PF Lucas Nogueira

This seven-footer out of Brazil will be a great complement to any team.  His ability to play in the post or outside just makes him a normal international player that NBA teams have learned to love.  

He is a great player and should make a great NBA player.  In a country dominated by soccer, his decision to play basketball will prove very helpful for Portland.

Miami Heat: PF Jonas Valanciunas

This European player will be a great addition to the size-lacking Miami Heat.  He will also complement the big three well and allow for the Heat to have another decent player on their roster.  Their need for more post players is evident.

Valanciunas has a great jump shot and can provide scoring from almost anywhere.  He will be a great acquisition for the Heat.

Oklahoma City Thunder: PF Marcus Morris

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 11: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks in action during the game against the Colorado State Rams on December 11, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Marcus Morris is having a great senior season at Kansas.  The 6'8" Morris is averaging 16.9 points, six rebounds and a block per game, along with shooting over 50 percent from beyond the arc.  Morris would provide a spark to any NBA team.

One thing that separates Morris is his drive.  He has a great work ethic that can hardly be matched and would be a great asset to the Thunder.

Utah Jazz: PF Kenneth Faried

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DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: Samardo Samuels #24 of the Louisville Cardinals drives to the hoop against Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena o

Kenneth Faried has had a great season so far for Morhead State.  The 6'8" senior is averaging 19 points per game and 13 rebounds.  These are some of the best stats in college basketball and really show how great of a player he actually is.

He will continue to put up great numbers all season because of the conference they play in, but will really make his money when it comes down to the NCAA tournament when he dominated bigger conference team's big men.

Sacramento Kings: PF JaJuan Johnson

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SPOKANE,WA - MARCH 21: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers dunks the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. Purdue def

Johnson, the senior from Purdue University, is having a stellar year.  He is averaging 18.3 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game this season.  Johnson can be a very versatile player and has a jump shot that is hard to find.

With such a great jumper and his ability to really stretch the floor, Johnson will be a great player in the NBA, although he lacks muscle.  Johnson's defense is stellar and will provide a spark to any NBA team.