NCAA Bracket 2011: 10 Big Men Who Can Improve NBA Draft Stock in March Madness

The NCAA tournament is the perfect stage for draft prospects to showcase their abilities.

For some, it is an opportunity to reassure scouts that they can be dominant against stout competition. For others, it is a chance to show their "shortcomings" won't be an issue at the next level.

Many of the top draft prospects rest overseas. The big men in America will attempt to use the month of March to show they have what it takes.

Here are the top 10 big men who are looking to improve their draft stock through the tournament.

10. Josh Smith, UCLA

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LAWRENCE, KS - DECEMBER 02: Joshua Smith #34 of the UCLA Bruins in action during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on December 2, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Josh Smith is 6'9", 320 pounds. For a center, 6'9" is not ideal height. At times Smith looks sluggish. Fatigue seems to be an issue late in games, and his numbers aren't good enough to allow scouts to turn a blind eye to his frame issues.

Even so, Smith shows flashes of brilliance. At the moment, he could go undrafted entirely. If he is able to render a win or two in the tournament with dominant play, he may improve his draft stock.

His biggest opportunity to improve his draft stock will be in the offseason, where his workout regimen needs to be stellar.

9. Justin Harper, Richmond

Elsa/Getty Images

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 18: Omar Samhan #50 of the Saint Mary's Gaels takese a shot as Justin Harper #32 of the Richmond Spiders defends during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2010 at the Dunkin Donuts Arena in Pr

Justin Harper has to have a solid performance in the tournament to lock up first-round draft status. He is a big man who can shoot the basketball incredibly well for his size. Unfortunately, his strength is also his weakness.

Harper needs to use the tournament as a chance to show that he can bang in the paint. For being 6'10", he isn't as effective as he should be in the paint. While big men like Channing Frye can excel on the perimeter, scouts are going to want to see that Harper can be a physical presence down low as well.

8. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts a shot against Garrick Sherman #41 of the Michigan State Spartans during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March

JaJuan Johnson seems like a player who is relying on his raw basketball talent too heavily. He puts up extraordinary numbers and has an impressive game. All of his potential is somewhat overshadowed by his lanky frame and out of sorts play.

Johnson has lapses in his game where he looks uncomfortable on the court. Many scouts are going to be able to overlook his offensive flaws, as he is a dominant force on defense.

If Johnson proves to be coachable, there is a solid chance a team could take a risk by selecting him in the first round. Before a coach takes a chance on this project, however, he is going to want to see Johnson perform in the tournament.

7. Mason Plumlee, Duke

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 13: Kendall Marshall #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots against Mason Plumlee #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the championship game of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum

When you talk about Duke basketball, Mason Plumlee isn't usually the first player mentioned. He stands at 6'10", giving him ideal size for a 4 in the NBA. Plumlee could use some time in the weight room, but he makes up for his lack of bulk with his athletic potential.

Plumlee will likely get a chance to showcase his talents deep into March. Scouts already know Plumlee can succeed as a shooter and as a rebounder. The question in his game is can he put forth the sort of dominant post play a first-round pick should?

If he exudes dominance in the low post in the tournament, Plumlee could work his way into the top 15.

6. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 13: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives in the first half against Jeff Brooks #25 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the championship game of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse

Jared Sullinger has a chance to go from being a top pick in the draft to being the top pick in the draft. He is 6'9" and plays as such. That could become problematic at the next level but is more likely a non-issue.

All eyes are going to be on Ohio State throughout the tournament. Sullinger is widely regarded as one of the best big men in the draft, but the No. 1 slot appears ripe for the picking. Many years, there is a clear-cut No. 1 pick. This year, it's anyone's game.

5. Trey Thompkins, Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Trey Thompkins #33 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after hitting a 3 point shot against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Geor

Trey Thompkins utilizes his talents all over the floor. At 6'9", his three-point shot is impressive. He can rebound, and his post play is sufficient for his size. He contributes on defense and is exceptional from the line for a big man.

The problem with Thompkins is he doesn't jump off the tape. He isn't overly great at anything, even though he contributes in every facet of the game.

The tournament will be a chance for Thompkins to make his way into the first round by showing he can take over a game. He has the potential—it's time for him to put his athletic ability on display.

4. Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Thomas Robinson #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after a play against the Texas Longhorns during the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Sprint Center on March 12, 2011 in Kansas City, Miss

Thomas Robinson's biggest flaw is that Kansas doesn't need him to win. Robinson is an effective big man who has a complete game. At the moment, he seems like a lock for the first round. If he can impress in the tournament, he could see his stock rise to a lottery selection.

Kansas will probably make a deep run in the tournament. Robinson has been incredible in a supporting role but needs to show that he can be the guy.

He is huge and dominant in the paint. He's everything you would want in a forward at the next level. He has all of the tools to be a difference maker; he just needs to show he can be one.

3. John Henson, UNC

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 13: John Henson #31 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots against Seth Curry #30 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the championship game of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on Mar

John Henson is gangly, but he makes it work for him. He is 6'10", 200 pounds, which may be a liability down low in the NBA. When he gets on an NBA weight program, he will likely add muscle quickly. He has an explosive game and is exciting to watch.

Henson has the unique ability to turn nothing into something. It is that sort of pizzazz that is going to catch the eye of scouts in the tournament. Henson is surrounded with talent, but if he can manage to stand out, he could rise to a top 10 pick.

2. Tyler Zeller, UNC

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 13: Tyler Zeller #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on while playing against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the championship game of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on Marc

Tyler Zeller is 7'0" tall. He is exceptional at laying the ball in while around the rim. He makes a living off cleaning up missed baskets and has solid footwork for a big man.

Scouts want to see Zeller throw the ball down more. He's a seven-footer. There is no reason he shouldn't be able to rise above the rim and dominate the will of opposing defenders. His finesse is terrific, but if he wants to elevate his draft stock to a sure-fire first rounder, he has to start being more assertive.

1. Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives against Kareem Maddox #2 of the Princeton Tigers during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 17, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (P

Terrence Jones is 6'8", but he plays much bigger than that. He can score, rebound and has a great feel for the basketball. He is a prototypical 3 but may be asked to play the 4 at the next level.

While Jones is a complete basketball player, he needs to be sure his shot selection is on point in the tournament. It is imperative that he continues to involve his teammates and put his athleticism on display in the tournament.

There is a huge discrepancy in his evaluation. He could fall all the way out of the first round or be a top 10 selection. A step back in the tournament could spell trouble for Jones.