NBA Draft 2011: Final Power Ranking of the Top 50 Prospects

The NBA Finals are in the books and the weeks of recruiting are now over, as the 2011 NBA draft is now just hours away.

The questions still remain: Will Kyrie Irving be the No. 1 pick, or will Derrick Williams sneak into the No. 1 spot? Will Minnesota go with another point guard? How good will this draft class turn out to be?

The drama continues to build up and will continue to do so until the end of the NBA draft.

With the 2011 NBA draft just around the corner, here are the top 50 prospects in the draft.

No. 50: Ben Hansbrough

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 20: Ben Hansbrough #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots a foul shot against the Florida State Seminoles in the second half during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 20, 20

School: Notre Dame

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 18.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 43.5% 3FG

Ben Hansbrough put on a show for his Irish last season, having arguably one of the best seasons of any player in college basketball. His scoring ability as well as tough defensive play had his team winning games.

At just 6'3'', Hansbrough is shorter than most shooting guards in the NBA. Then again, he can play the point guard position and has a pretty good knack for getting the ball to teammates in the right spot. Look at Jimmer Fredette: Easily a shooting guard as far as his skills set, but going to the NBA has to make the switch as well.

Although he will likely be a late second-round selection, Hansbrough is a capable player that plays with a tenacity that, for the most part, goes unmatched.

No. 49: Norris Cole

School: Cleveland State

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 21.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.2 SPG

Norris Cole might not play for a top-25 team in the country, but man can the guy flat-out play.

Cole is one of the more talented point guards that are available in the second round, and should find himself being selected on draft day. He is a score-first point guard

Cole has made improvements to his game throughout his four-year college ball career. His Cleveland State team lost to Butler in the conference semifinals.

No. 48: Cory Jospeh

School: Texas

Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 10.4 PPG, 3.0 APG, 41.3% 3FG

The freshman out of Texas is a solid player that has the potential to do big things in the NBA.

Joseph was expected to play at least one more year with the Longhorns, after having a solid freshman year. He did not have "off-the-charts" numbers, as his marketability will have a lot to do with NBA teams gambling on his potential.

Coming from a winning program in Texas, expect Joseph to be drafted in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 47: David Lighty

School: Ohio State

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 12.1 PPG, 3.3 APG, 4.0 RPG, 42.9% 3FG

David Lighty played crucial minutes for the Ohio State Buckeyes last season, who were expected to do more damage than they did in the 2011 NCAA tournament.

Lighty is a player that is arguably one of the better defenders in the 2011 NBA draft class. He is a straight-up athlete that plays tough one-on-one defense. On a team with a plethora of scorers last season, Lighty made it his priority to make stops defensively and score the ball when called upon.

From distance he lights up the charts, shooting a whopping 42.9 percent from distance.

Don't take Lighty lightly, as he may prove to be a solid role player in the NBA when it's all said and done.

No. 46: DeAndre Liggins

School: Kentucky

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 8.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG

DeAndre Liggins is a monster athlete, a player that any NBA team would take with a second-round selection.

Despite playing alongside talented players like Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones, Liggins found himself his own spotlight on both ends of the floor. He has a reach that could make for him being a solid shot-blocker, as well as a solid touch on the offensive end.

Liggins also comes from Kentucky, a program under John Calipari that is known for winning games and producing NBA talents. 

No. 45: John Leuer

School: Wisconsin

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 18.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 84.3% FT, 1.6 TO

John Leuer is without a doubt one of the more underrated players in the 2011 NBA draft. Playing for the Wisconsin Badgers last season, Leuer led the team in both points and rebounds, helping his Badgers to one of the better seasons they have had since playing for the team.

He is a big man that can shoot the ball well and play solid defense. The Badgers are a team that pride themselves in their ability to play defense, something Leuer can bring to any team in the NBA.

Leuer might be 45th on the list, but he is a lock to be selected in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 44: Keith Benson

School: Oakland

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 17.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG, 55.6% FG

Keith Benson has the potential to make a starting lineup on an NBA roster. He has a 7'4'' wingspan and can rebound with the best of them.

Despite playing in a weaker conference, Benson had a season to remember last season. Almost 18 points a game to go along with more than 10 rebounds and three blocks a game puts him in a select group of big men entering the 2011 NBA draft.

A weakness people find in Benson is his lanky physique. He is a big player that has an athletic build, but is 6'11'' and just 217 pounds. 

No. 43: Malcolm Thomas

School: San Diego State

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 11.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG

Malcolm Thomas played an integral role in helping his San Diego State Aztecs to one of their better seasons in recent years.

Thomas played over 30 minutes per game for a team that was a second seed in the 2011 NCAA tournament.

Thomas is a solid rebounder that can get it done offensively as well. In his last two games of the tournament, Thomas posted an average of 13 points per game to go along with 8.5 rebounds.

No. 42: Darius Morris

School: Michigan

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 15.0 PPG, 6.7 APG, 4.0 RPG

At 6'4'', 190 pounds, Morris has the frame that he can make useful in the pros. Being a lankier player, with some weight training at the next level Morris could put on a little weight and become an even harder player to guard.

He is one of the more "true point guards" coming out of the 2011 NBA draft class. On the season he averaged an impressive 6.7 assists per game while grabbing four rebounds a contest. Morris can also score the basketball, averaging a solid 15 points per game.

No. 41: E’Twaun Moore

School: Purdue

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 18.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 40% 3PT

E'Twaun Moore has game. Make no mistake about it.

Last season for the Boilermakers, Moore was easily the best, most productive player on one of the top teams in the nation. He is a guard that attacks the basket and can score in every which way. He gets to the line, shoots the three-ball and has an effective mid-range game.

Moore is a shorter shooting guard at 6'4'', although his talent might just be enough to overcome it at the next level.

No. 40: Scotty Hopson

School: Tennessee

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 17.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 APG

Scotty Hopson, a 2-guard out of Tennessee, is a 6'9'' shooting guard that will be one of the riskier selections in the 2011 NBA draft in the second round.

Hopson is a talent, that goes without question. He proved he is a scoring threat that can play solid perimeter defense. His issue is in his ability to do much else aside from score on offense.

Expect Hopson to play his rookie season in the NBA, even if it is in spurts of just 10-15 minutes a game.

No. 39: Josh Selby

School: Kansas

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 7.9 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.2 RPG, 37.3% FG

Above all, Kansas guard Josh Selby boasts an athletic ability that most at his position simply do not.

He is a quick, explosive player that is known for his ability to score the basketball. He has a smooth jump shot and good touch around the basket.

Selby shot just 37 percent on the season, a sign that he is a player in need of better shot selection at the next level. It is an aspect of his game that must improve if he expects to get starter's minutes in his first two to three years in the league.

No. 38: Chandler Parsons

School: Florida

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 11.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 7.8 RPG, 48% FG

Chandler Parsons is a player that has proven in his years with the Florida Gators that he is a tough, all-around player that is an evident talent.

He can shoot the basketball from just about anywhere, while also boasting an athletic ability on the glass. He led the Gators in rebounds per game and was known for his clutch shooting late in games.

Parsons is a winner that got it done at the college level as well as any player in Division I basketball. Will he get it done in the NBA? It's a tough debate, but he has the frame to do it.

At 6'11'', he is a taller small forward that could eventually find himself a starting role in the NBA if he plays to his potential.

No. 37: Malcolm Lee

School: UCLA

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 13.1 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.7 TO

Malcolm Lee started at shooting guard for the UCLA Bruins last season.

In the amount of minutes he played, just over 33 a game, his production was less effective than some of the other point guard prospects in the 2011 NBA draft. His 3.1 assists per game and 2.0 rebounds per game are numbers that have to pick up going into the NBA.

With 1.7 turnovers per game, Lee proves he is a player that takes care of the basketball. The problem is whether or not he can use those possessions and make them count in the pros.

No. 36: Trey Thompkins

School: Georgia

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 16.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 48.1% FG

Look out 2011 NBA draft: Trey Thompkins might just be one of the more underrated players in the entire draft. He is a 6'11'', 240-pound monster out of Georgia, who just so happens to put up the production that makes him a worthy pick.

He is just 21 years old, and has room to improve. Thompkins at times lacks much tenacity at the defensive end, but gets the job done without question. He can also score the ball effectively in the post, which separates him from many other top prospects in the draft.

Make a note of it: Thompkins could be one of the biggest steals in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 35: Jeremy Tyler

Hometown: San Diego

Country: Israel

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 2.1 PPG, 7.6 MPG

According to a piece from the Washington Post, Jeremy Tyler, a ball player from the city of San Diego, California, made the move from high school to play professional basketball overseas.

In Israel, Tyler received limited playing time, but was a beast in his high school days. In his last season before going to Europe, he would average nearly 29 points per game. At 6'11'', 260 pounds, Tyler will be a force to reckon with in the NBA.

He might be projected as an early second-round pick, yet don't be surprised if Tyler finds himself as a first-round selection come draft night. Maybe a late first-round pick to the Boston Celtics with the 25th pick or Chicago Bulls with the 30th pick.

No. 34: Nikola Mirotic

Country: Spain

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 6.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 85.7% FT

Spanish sensation Nikola Mirotic was a key player for Spain's Real Madrid basketball team in the 2010-2011 season with the team.

At just 20 years of age, Mirotic could be a promising talent for years to come in the NBA. He is a quick forward that can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. The 6'10'' forward can score the ball in a plethora of ways, and believe it or not, has as smooth a jump shot as any big man in the draft.

Don't be surprised if Mirotic is a player that sneaks up the draft board on draft night.

No. 33: Jimmy Butler

School: Marquette

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 15.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG

Playing exceptionally well in one of the tougher conferences in college basketball, Jimmy Butler is a player that is naturally conditioned to be effective at the next level.

His Golden Eagles were a much-improved team this season, as Butler was one of the main reasons why they were able to win basketball games.

In the NBA, Butler has the make to be an effective player that plays tough defense and rebounds the basketball well. He will likely be selected between picks No. 35 and 45 of the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 32: Travis Leslie

School: Georgia

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 14.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 80.1% FT

The better of the two Bulldogs in the 2011 NBA draft, Travis Leslie is a load of talent that struggles from being a 6'4'' guard/forward.

He is on the shorter end of the scale height-wise, but his game is far from being on the shorter end of the scale. Leslie is a tough scorer that has sound rebounding skills and can shoot the ball consistently.

Hitting 80 percent of his free throws and hitting nearly 50 percent of his shots from the field, Leslie is a consistent, effective shooter that has quite the skill set. His size is the biggest problem in making the transition to the pros. 

No. 31: Justin Harper

School: Richmond

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 17.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 53.4% FG, 44.8% 3PT

Justin Harper is a beast, a better player than most take him for.

Harper was a part of a 27-7 Richmond Spiders team that would finish third in the conference last season. The Spiders would make a run to the Sweet 16, before falling to the No. 1-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.

Harper would put up 22 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort, as they would lose 77-57. One factor that an NBA team has to look at is how a player performs on the big stage, as there is no question Harper is a player that can compete on the big stage.

No. 30: David Bertans

Hometown: Latvia

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 8.0 MPG, 4.1 PPG, 1.3 RPG

David Bertans is seeming to be a late first-round selection in the 2011 NBA draft, as a good amount of his marketability is based on his potential to grow as a player at the next level.

At just 18 years of age, Bertans has a game that needs developing. The Latvian prospect is said to be a superb shooter, as he comes in at 6'10'' as a first-round-level prospect in this year's draft.

Bertans may lack experience, but his height and shooting ability have recruiters wondering just how good this talent can turn out to be at the next level.

No. 29: Nolan Smith

School: Duke

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 20.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG 1.2 SPG, 35% 3PT

Talk about a player with something to prove.

Not expected to get starter's minutes in his final season at Duke, a Kyrie Irving injury gave Nolan Smith the chance to put his skills on display.

Smith proved to be a prolific scorer, scoring nearly 21 points per game and leading his Duke Blue Devils to a solid winning season. Despite a tough exit for the Blue Devils, they were a team that for most of the season looked to be the best team in Division I basketball.

Smith will likely find himself taken in the last 10 picks in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 28: Kyle Singler

School: Duke

Position: Small Forward/Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 16.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG

I guess it's fair to say Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils breed some talent, to say the least.

One of three Duke players projected to be taken in the first round, Kyle Singler is a talent that has an evident ability to score the basketball. At 6'9'', Singler has a tremendous shot as well as finesse when finishing at the rim.

Singler at times takes poor shots, but ultimately is a talent that teams cannot pass on. If Singler can touch up his game and get into a groove, Singler is the type of player that could likely crack a starting five in the league. He has the size to do it, as well as the skill.

No. 27: Reggie Jackson

School: Boston College

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 18.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 50.3% FG

Reggie Jackson could be considered one of the top five point guards in the 2011 NBA draft. Jackson is a player that has shown dramatic improvement each season, including a stellar last season with the Eagles.

At 6'3'' and 202 pounds, Jackson boasts decent size at the point guard position. He is a shoot-first point guard that had a more of the scoring type of role for the Boston College Eagles last season.

As well as scoring effectively, Jackson is also capable of playing tough, pressure defense. Look for Jackson to climb up the draft board on draft night, as he may well be a good steal for teams picking late in the first round.

No. 26: Tyler Honeycutt

School: UCLA

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 12.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, 73.6% FT

The 6'8'' small forward out of UCLA might be an ideal selection for many teams picking late in the first round.

Tyler Honeycutt is the type of player that brings a little bit of everything to a ballclub. He rebounds well, can score when called upon and makes his presence known at the defensive end. Although not great in any one regard, Honeycutt is a well-rounded player that teams should take note of late in the first round.

Don't be surprised if he falls to a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics or Chicago Bulls with picks late in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 25: Jordan Williams

School: Maryland

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 16.9 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.6 TO, 53.8% FG

Jordan Williams is one of the more underrated big men in the 2011 NBA draft, and may very well be a hands-down starter in the NBA. He was one of the only scorers on a Maryland Terrapins team that struggled mightily last season.

Williams, although a shorter center at 6'9'', has a good set of moves in the post as well as a soft touch from the field. Defensively, Williams made his presence known, leading the ACC conference with 11.8 rebounds per game last season.

He can score, rebound and play tough defense. Williams has the makings to be a top center in the league if he can continue to improve his game and get stronger in the NBA.

No. 24: Shelvin Mack

School: Butler

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 16.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 35.4% 3PT

Point guard out of Butler, Shelvin Mack is a prolific scorer that may have what it takes to be a decent starting point guard at the next level.

More so than his numbers, the sole fact that Butler made two straight NCAA tournament finals was impressive enough. Mack has proven to be a point guard that wins games when it matters most, a skill that is difficult to teach to the average player.

Mack should likely be taken between picks No. 23 and 30 of the 2011 NBA draft, possibly falling into the early second round.

No. 23: Nikola Vucevic

School: USC

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 17.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.7 TO, 50.5% FG

Nikola Vucevic is a 7'0'' center that looks as ready for the NBA as any center in this 2011 NBA draft.

His numbers with his USC Trojans last season made noise around the league, averaging a double-double while swatting 1.4 shots a game.

Vucevic has the make to be a solid center at the next level. He is a seven-footer that can shoot the ball decently, a quality that is rare in the average seven-footer to play in the league.

No. 22: Tobias Harris

School: Tennessee

Position: Small Forward / Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 46% FG

Tobias Harris is a shaky prospect, although he still manages to crack the top 25. The forward out of Tennessee is easily a top-25 prospect in regards to his talent, yet is a player that still has plenty to develop.

At times Harris has poor shot selection, and seems to lack a consistent jump shot to go along with it. If there's one thing Harris knows how to do it's attack the rim and get to the line. He is also a tough rebounder that boasts solid athletic ability as well.

No. 21: Marshon Brooks

School: Providence

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 24.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.2 BPG, 48.3% FG

Marshon Brooks has risen in the latest 2011 NBA mock draft listings, as he has proven how dominant of a player he can be at the next level.

His 24.6 points per game put him among the best in Division I basketball for scoring, while also managing to shoot an impressive 48.3 percent from the field.

Arguably the best scorer in the draft, expect big things from Brooks in the NBA. He is not a player to be taken for granted.

No. 20: Iman Shumpert

School: Georgia Tech

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 17.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.7 SPG, 80.7% FT

It's not everyday that a 6'6'' point guard is a selection in an NBA draft.

Iman Shumpert is a score-first point guard that can make things happen with his passing ability as well. Arguably one of the top three or four point guards the draft boasts, Shumpert could find himself starting after playing one or two seasons in the league.

Despite being a well-rounded offensive player, it should be noted that Shumpert plays tough defense and has a height advantage most at his position can't say they have.

No. 19: Charles Jenkins

School: Hofstra

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 22.6 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG

Although most have Shumpert as a higher selection than Charles Jenkins on their 2011 NBA mock drafts, it should be noted that Hofstra's Charles Jenkins is a player that might be the sleeper pick of the first round.

Jenkins averages more points, assists and steals than does Shumpert. Those who claim Jenkins isn't as good as advertised have claimed he played in a weak conference that didn't have much competition.

His numbers don't lie, as he has shown to be score-first point guard that has a solid shot and drive to the basket.

No. 18: Markieff Morris

School: Kansas

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 13.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 BPG, 58.9% FG

Markieff Morris might be the worse of the twins, but Markieff proved to be quite the talent for the Jayhawks last season.

A strong NCAA tournament run, coupled with a No. 1 seed, was largely due to the dominant play of the Morris twins. Markieff is a player known for his strong rebounding ability, as well as tough finishing inside.

Markieff won't give you 20 points a game, but anywhere from six to 10 rebounds is expected from the guy when he makes the jump to the next level.

No. 17: Donatas Motiejunas

Hometown/Country: Lithunania

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 12.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG

Donatas Motiejunas is one of several 7'0'' prospects in the 2011 NBA draft.

Motiejunas is a big man that has his share of post moves as well as the ability to take jump shots and open up the floor.

His ability to spread the floor could help make immediate impact on any team in the league. If Motiejunas can improve his rebounding numbers with time in the NBA, he could likely be a starter for years to come.

No. 16: Chris Singleton

School: Florida State

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 13.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG

Singleton comes into the 2011 NBA draft at 6'9'', 230 pounds. With the Florida State Seminoles, Singleton had a season to remember, leading the school to an unexpected trip to the Sweet 16.

Throughout the course of the season, Singleton proved to be a tough scorer in the paint that had a knack for crashing the boards. His rebounding skills and defensive firepower are hard to teach, as he has an edge to his game that most big men in the draft fail to match.

Expect Singleton to be a lottery selection on draft night.

No. 15: Kenneth Faried

School: Morehead State

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 17.3 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1.9 SPB, 62.3% FG

Although projected to be a top-20 selection, it is arguable that Kenneth Faried may be the best rebounder in the entire 2011 NBA draft class.

Crazy, right? What about Enes Kanter? Kawhi Leonard?

The other two are great rebounders, but a player like Faried makes hustle plays that a talented prospect needs to have to translate their game to the next level. Faried led his Morehead State team to a win in the first round against a heavily favored Louisville Cardinals team that couldn't find an answer inside against Faried.

In the upset, Faried would post a game-high 17 rebounds.

No. 14: Jimmer Fredette

School: BYU

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 28.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG

Jimmer, Jimmer, Jimmer.

The 2011 Naismith Player of the Year was the best scorer in college basketball last season with his mark of 28.9 points per game. He also led his BYU team into the NCAA tournament, boasting a No. 3 seed in the process.

Fredette is without question a prolific scorer that has unlimited range. He can shoot, finish at the rim and hit his free throws.

The one issue facing Jimmer is his height. Fredette is ultimately a shooting guard forced to play point guard due to his lack of height. Adjusting at the next level might end up being just too big a jump for college basketball's best player last season.

No. 13: Alec Burks

School: Colorado

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 20.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG

Alec Burks is arguably one of the two best shooting guard the 2011 NBA draft has to offer, as him and Klay Thompson will likely both end up as lottery selections on draft night.

Burks led his Colorado team in scoring last season, as he has proven his ability to shoot the basketball as well as take it to the rim. He is also just 19 years old, as he will have plenty of years to develop his game at the next level.

Burks comes in on the list at No. 13, but to some is a top-10 prospect in this draft class.

No. 12: Marcus Morris

School: Kansas

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 TO

Marcus Morris has developed a game that NBA recruits have got to love going into draft night.

Morris is a big man that can score, finish inside with authority and rebound the basketball. He has intangibles that will make him an effective player at the next level, as well as being a rookie that will likely find playing time from the get-go.

Morris will be a lock for a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 11: Bismack Biyombo

Country: Congo

Position: Power Forward/Center

2010-2011 season: 17.0 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG

Congo native Bismack Biyombo is a big man that will likely have success in the NBA as a starting big man.

Biyombo is an athletic forward that plays tough, hard defense that gives him the opportunity to be a contributor immediately in the league for any team. In limited minutes, Biyombo proved to be a force in the Spanish league.

Make no mistake, Biyombo might turn out to be the best big man, defensively speaking, selected in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 10: Klay Thompson

School: Washington State

Position: Shooting Guard

2010-2011 season: 21.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG

Klay Thompson may easily be the best shooting guard in the 2011 NBA draft.

There's not much the guy can't do. Thompson is known for his array of offensive talent, as well his knack to rebound the basketball and take the ball to the rim.

With his athletic build and 6'7'', 205-pound frame, Thompson is able to play strong defense while also contributing offensively. Thompson is one of few players in this draft that will find themselves with starting roles their rookie seasons.

No. 9: Tristan Thompson

School: Texas

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 13.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 54.6% FG

Tristan Thompson might be young, but it's inevitable to make note that the guy is a player to reckon with.

As a freshman, Thompson contributed positive numbers for his Texas Longhorns basketball team, scoring as well as rebounding effectively throughout the course of the season.

Thompson is considered by most to easily be a top-10 selection on draft night when it's all said and done. At 6'9'', 230 pounds, his athletic build will make him a difficult player to defend at the next level.

No. 8: Kawhi Leonard

School: San Diego State

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 15.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG

Kawhi Leonard is a monster of a small forward, as he will be a top-10 lock in the 2011 NBA draft.

Leonard helped lead his San Diego State Aztecs to a positive tournament run, as the team entered the 2011 NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seed.

Leonard is a small forward that rebounds the ball exceptionally well and finishes stronger than most power forwards and centers in the draft class. Look for Leonard to make noise in the NBA, as he will likely make an immediate impact in any team's frontcourt upon being selected.

No. 7: Kemba Walker

School: UConn

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 23.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.9 SPG

Kemba Walker along with Jimmer Fredette were arguably two of the best players in the nation last season. Walker was among the leading scorers in college basketball, scoring 23.5 points per game on the season.

Walker is as good as it gets at scoring the basketball, as well as being a player that can get it done in late-game situations. Another distinct quality he possesses is the ability to win basketball games.

Walker's UConn Huskies cruised through the Big East tournament, while shortly after taking the 2011 NCAA tournament by storm and taking home the national championship.

The clutch factor and winning ways of Walker are qualities unmatched by most in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 6: Jan Vesely

School/Country: Czech Republic

Position: Small Forward

2010-2011 season: 10.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.3 APG

The 6'11'', 240-pound small forward is arguably the best international prospect in the NBA draft.

Jan Vesely has had his draft stock rise in the last several picks, as most have Vesely as a top-10 lock going into the draft. Vesely is a scorer that can rebound the ball.

He needs work in the rebounding department, but is a big-time prospect for his build. A 6'10'' small forward is unheard of in the NBA, and could give defenses nightmares if Vesely can continue to improve his game.

No. 5: Jonas Valanciunas

School/Country: Lithuania

Position: Center

2010-2011 season: 7.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 91.4% FT

His numbers might not be off the charts, but upon further review you might reconsider his production.

His 7.6 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game come in just 14 minutes a game. Valanciunas is also a big man that has a post-up game that other international prospects don't come close to. He is an effective scorer that has shown scouts he can make an impact at the next level.

The 19-year-old will likely be a top-five selection in the 2011 NBA draft.

No. 4: Brandon Knight

School: Kentucky

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 17.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 79.5% FT

Brandon Knight is arguably the best point guard in the 2011 NBA draft class, as he has proven himself to be a talent that is NBA-ready after one season with the Wildcats.

Under head coach John Calipari, Knight was able to win basketball games and develop his game whether it was his scoring, passing, transition game or defense. Knight has proven to be an all-around player that has the athleticism to get it done in the pros.

It's the Calipari factor. There was Derrick Rose, then Tyreke Evans, then John Wall. Based on the talent those three have translated to the next level, it's safe to say Knight is ready to go.

No. 3: Enes Kanter

School: Kentucky

Position: Center

2010-2011 season: Did Not Play

Rumor is that Enes Kanter wants to be a Washington Wizard, according to the Washington Post.

Enes Kanter did not play the entire season with the Kentucky Wildcats, yet is still a projected top-three pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

Kanter boasts height, athleticism, strength, a finishing ability in the paint and defense. There is not much Kanter doesn't have in his arsenal.

If the Washington Wizards trade up to get Kanter, him and John Wall could make quite the tandem next season.

No. 2: Derrick Williams

College: Arizona

Position: Power Forward

2010-2011 season: 19.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG

When it's all said and done, it is projected that Derrick Williams will be the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NBA draft, going to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The possibility still remains that the Cleveland Cavaliers take Williams with the first pick, yet it is highly unlikely the Cavaliers will pass on Kyrie Irving when it's all said and done.

Williams plays aggressive, scores the basketball and plays exceptional defense. He will likely be an All-Star in the league with time. Expect big things from the Wildcats star.

No. 1: Kyrie Irving

College: Duke

Position: Point Guard

2010-2011 season: 17.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 52.9% FG, 90.1% FT

Despite playing in just 11 games last season, one can fully expect to see Kyrie Irving taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

When he has played, Irving has proved to be an athletic, versatile talent that can get it done on both ends of the floor. His handles and jump shot are arguably better than any point guard in the field.

The transition to the NBA will be a difficult one for Irving, considering his lack of playing time due to injury last season. He is a player that has loads of talent, but minimal experience running a team at the point guard position past high school play.

It will be interesting to see just how smoothly Irving can make his transition to the NBA.

For more 2011 NBA draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NBA mock drafts, B/R's Big Board of Recruits, NBA draft rumors, NBA draft results and draft grades.