Kenneth Faried and the Top 10 Unknown Players Who Will Make an NBA Roster

Every year or so, a couple of unknown guys come onto the NBA scene that cause most fans to wonder "where did that guy play and why did I never hear about him?"

I don't claim to be a fortune teller, but I am going to answer that question for the next couple years in this ranking.

Now, I did not include any BCS conference players, anyone from Gonzaga (they're basically a BCS school in basketball anyways), or any guys that have made names for themselves on non-BCS schools (sorry, Jimmer Fredette and Kawhi Leonard).

These 10 players should be making a an NBA roster in the next few years, with some having the ability to make a solid impact in The League.

10. Chris Gaston, Fordham

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

NEW YORK - JANUARY 13: Chris Gaston #33 of the Fordham Rams lines up a free throw against the Dayton Flyers at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

Height/Weight: 6'7", 225

2010-11 averages: 15 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, 49 percent field goals

Only a sophomore, Gaston has been quite consistent in his college career thus far. He's had nine double-doubles so far, and he's been able to get his numbers pretty efficiently, only taking around 11 shots per game. Gaston won't be anything special in the NBA, but he could make a living as a garbage undersized power forward who grabs boards and plays adequate defense.

9. Michael Glover, Iona

courtesy of http://www.sny.tv

Height/Weight: 6'7", 215

2010-11 averages: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 67 percent field goals

This junior is actually playing his first year of college basketball, and man has he turned some heads already. Against Syracuse (currently in the top 5), he went off for 25 points and 16 rebounds.

The Orange coach, Jim Boeheim, who has assisted Mike Krzyzewski on the American Olympic team said "Glover is about as good as anyone we'll play against". Coming from a guy who's worked with NBA players and whose team will see multiple NBA talents, that says something.

He'll probably be a small forward in the NBA or one of those undersized power forwards, but it's unclear as to actually how good he is considering he came out of nowhere.

8. Charles Jenkins, Hofstra

courtesy of http://hawkshoops.blogs.starnewsonline.com

Height/Weight: 6'3", 220

2010-11 averages: 23 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals, 58 percent field goals, 49 percent three-point goals, 85 percent free throws

Jenkins has been one of the most consistent scorers in his career at Hofstra, never averaging less than 15 points per game for a season. The guy can absolutely stroke it from anywhere on the floor which would make him a valuable commodity coming off the bench.

His issue is he's probably more of a shooting guard than a point man but due to his height would have problems guarding most shooting guards in the NBA. I could see him being an Eddie House-type player who comes off the bench and can catch fire.

7. Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure

courtesy of http://www.arkansasonline.com

Height/Weight: 6'9", 225

2010-11 averages: 22 points, eight rebounds, 55 percent field goals

As a junior, Nicholson has time to develop and improve his ability, but he's certainly off to a good start this season.

Athletically, he has the ability to make a roster and maybe be more than just a role player, but at this point, his offensive tools are lacking. At 225 pounds, it's unclear if he'd be able to play down low and show off his leaping ability by blocking shots. If he's able to add 20 pounds and able to keep his athleticism, this kid could be another J.J.Hickson.

6. Norris Cole, Cleveland State

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - MARCH 20: Guard Norris Cole #30 (R) of the Cleveland State University Vikings takes a shot over guard L.D. Williams #42 (L) of Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the American Ai

Height/Weight: 6'2", 170

2010-11 averages: 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, 37 percent three-point goals, 84 percent free throws

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Mario Chalmers version 2.0. He's a true point guard who has been climbing up the charts this season and is experienced enough that he doesn't make many mistakes.

Cole's biggest problem is he doesn't do anything great, like Chalmers. In the NBA, he should be a backup point guard for years to come, which is not a bad way to make a living by any means.

5. Keith Benson, Oakland

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE - MARCH 19: Keith Benson #34 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies posts up Gary McGhee #52 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 19, 2010 in M

Height/Weight: 6'11", 225

2010-11 averages: 17 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, 52 percent field goals

Let's squash this now. The days of dominant centers outside of Dwight Howard are gone. Benson represents the new breed of big guys who are more comfortable outside of the paint offensively. He can shoot jumpers and run the floor as well as any big guy.

At only 225 pounds, though, maintaining position in the paint is incredibly difficult and although Benson can clearly alter shots, without adding strength to his frame, that ability may not matter as guys will simply put him right underneath the basket. Still, he's a guy to keep an eye on as a backup center who can stretch the floor and thrive in an up-tempo offense.

4. Trey Zeigler, Central Michigan

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 30: Trey Zeigler #0 of the Central Michigan Chippewas brings the ball up the court against the UNLV Rebels during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center December 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 73-47. (Photo by Ethan Mil

Height/Weight: 6'5", 185

2010-11 averages: 17 points, five rebounds

Fans who follow college basketball recruiting know who this kid is. As only a freshman, Zeigler is the best pro prospect from the MAC conference in years. He has the height to play either guard positions in the NBA and has tons of potential. It would be smart for him to stay a few years to hone his skills, but when he comes into the league, it wouldn't be shocking if he ended up being a quality starter.

3. Aaric Murray, La Salle

courtesy of espn.com

Height/Weight: 6'10", 250

2010-11 averages: 16 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, 54 percent field goals

Only a sophomore, Murray is one of the more intriguing players in the country. His size indicates he's a center who already has the body of an NBA player. However, he's versatile enough that he's effective on the block and from the outside offensively, while being a solid interior presence defensively. It's unfortunate that his team is poor which has kept his numbers from being good instead of outstanding.

Murray still needs to develop and it would be wise if he stayed at least one more season. Unlike many of the big guys on this list, his frame isn't a question, but his skills need to improve if he wants to make an impact in the NBA sooner rather than later. Still, this kid will be an NBA player and a possible first round pick.

2. Ray McCallum, Detroit

Height/Weight: 6'1", 185

2010-11 averages: 15 points, five rebounds, four assists

Like Zeigler, McCallum is well known in the recruiting circles, having turned down powerhouses such as UCLA to play for his father at Detroit.

McCallum is one of those insanely fast point guards that are starting to dominate the NBA. What he has over Zeigler is the fact Detroit plays in the Horizon League that includes Butler (nationally known after their NCAA runner-up finish last season) and Cleveland State (typically very good) which means McCallum will get higher profile games against better competition, allowing him to showcase his skills more often.

Again, it would be smart for McCallum to stay a few years to improve his stock as he has yet to really stand out as an offensive player. Give it a couple years and he may have the same type of rise another small school guard did a few years ago. I am of course talking of Stephen Curry.

1. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles drives to the hoop against the Louisville Cardinals during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2009 in Day

Height/Weight: 6'8", 228 pounds

2010-11 averages: 18 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, 65 percent field goals

Faried is widely regarded as the top mid-major draft prospect in the country this season and will most likely end up being a mid-to-late first-round pick. He's one of the best rebounders in the country which is something that typically translates well to the NBA if a player excels at it in the college ranks. While his size isn't ideal for a power forward, guys like DeJuan Blair and Carl Landry have proven size isn't everything when it comes to getting boards.

In his two highest profile games of the season against Ohio State and Florida, both of which have NBA talent down low, Faried combined for 35 points on 12-of-18 shooting, 30 rebounds (12 offensive), seven steals and four blocks.

Florida coach Billy Donovan, who's coached NBA stars Al Horford and Joakim Noah in college, had this to say of Faried after playing him: "That's Dennis Rodman all over again...If I was an NBA general manager I'd be taking him with my pick. That's what a next-level guy looks like. He just totally destroyed our frontcourt. ...That was definitely an incredible performance by a terrific player."

Now, is he the next Dennis Rodman? I doubt it, but the comparison isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. The fact that casual fans don't know who this guy is is a travesty as he'll be making an impact next year in the NBA.