Fast Forward: The Most Intriguing Prospect of the 2012 NBA Draft

The 2011 NBA will probably go down as one of the more mundane classes in recent memory.   Overriding sentiment by most is that this year's draft class was weak. Those feelings are most certainly overblown, however. While there may be few stars in this class, the 2011 draft had some depth to it and is certain to bear quality players for years to come.

A major factor in the configuration and composition of this year's draft was the CBA dispute and impending lockout that threatens to interrupt next season. Many of the top-tier talent chose to stay in school rather than participate in the labor dispute. 

This dynamic sets up an intriguing cast of talented youngsters ready make the jump in 2012.  Next year's class could very well be the best since LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade burst on the scene in 2003.  Let's take a look at some of the top players projected to land in next year's lottery:

Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Glen "Doc" Rivers, will be a household name by the end of next season. Standing 6'4" and blessed with incredible athleticism and active motor, Rivers will more than likely be starting in Coach K's backcourt at Duke University fall.

Rivers, who averaged 28 ppg, six rpg and two steals for Winter Park High School in Florida last season, has decided to take his talents to Tobacco Road after a brief flirtation with University of Florida.  Austin is a fantastic ball-handler and already possesses legitimate NBA range on his jump shot. 

As a coach's son, Rivers also has the savvy that seems to defy his age. He knows how to create space to get his shot off and has mastered the floater, making him a lethal finisher. With his array of skills, Austin has a game that most resembles Jamal Crawford's and figures to be a proficient scorer when he decides to go pro.

There are some questions that the young Rivers will have to answer next year as he steps up a level. As with most young players, Austin's defense has been suspect. Also, he will need to add strength and find a position, as he is a bit of a "tweener" by NBA standards. A year under the tutelage of Coach Krzyzewski will certainly go a long way in the young man's development.

Austin Rivers has the look of a "one and done" player and a potential lottery pick next year.  Stay tuned...

Anthony Davis

It is very possible that Anthony Davis could be hear his name called first in the 2012 NBA draft.  Choosing to attend the University of Kentucky in the fall, Davis definitely will not be in school for long. 

Anthony Davis is one of those incredible stories no one really believes. Growing seven inches in the course of a year, Davis still retains many of his perimeter skills he learned as a guard. His ball-handling is far above average and has a developing offensive game. His superb mobility allows him to rebound out of his immediate area and guard bigger or smaller players.

The main issue with Davis is that he is paper thin. At 6'10" and 200 lbs, it a mystery how much weight the young forward will be able to pack on his wiry frame. He is also somewhat raw in the post and will have to develop a face-up game to be effective in the NBA.

The wispy 6'10" forward has captivated the NBA scouting community and after averaging 32 ppg, 22 rpg and an astounding seven blocks per game for Perspectives Charter School in Chicago, Davis has gone from relative unknown to potential lottery pick in 2012. 

Jared Sullinger

Jared Sullinger was highly touted as a high school big man and did not disappoint in his first year at Ohio State. Averaging over 17 ppg and 10 rpg in the rugged Big Ten conference, Sullinger led the Buckeyes to a 34-3 record and would have been a top three pick had he decided to take the plunge in 2011.

There is nothing "new school" about Sullinger; he's a throwback. At 6'8" and 250 lbs, the Ohio native is a load on the block. His powerful lower body allows him to get position on virtually anyone and his feathery touch around the basket make him close to impossible to stop. His over seven-foot wing span allows him to play bigger than his height would indicate. He loves to score an is a nightmare on the offensive glass. Elton Brand comes to mind when watching him operate.

What is most intriguing about the Buckeye big man is how he will received this upcoming draft.  Had Sullinger come out in 2011, he almost certainly would have been a top three selection.  He decided to return and will be under the microscope this season. 

His flaws, most notably his weight issues and his difficulties playing against longer players, will be in full view for another year. In addition, Jared is a bit of a lumberer and lacks elite athleticism, which will most definitely hurt is draft stock. Barring something major, however, expect to hear Sullinger's name called withing the top 13 picks next year.  

Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes was highly regarded coming into his first season at UNC, and after a rocky beginning, showed all he is widely regarded as one of the best talents in college basketball. The 6'8" wing forward averaged over 15 ppg and five rpg and earned ACC Freshmen Player of the Year. Barnes surprised many as he decided to return to Chapel Hill for a second season.

The best word to describe Harrison's game is efficient. There is very little wasted movement in his approach. He has the ability to get to his spots with the dribble and pulls up with consistency.  He has a high basketball IQ and makes few mistakes on the court. Many compare him to Luol Deng.

He has a strong NBA body and will have no problems adapting to the rugged professional grind. He has also shown to be a quality defender early on, using his long arms and strength to frustrate opposing players.

Barnes struggled early and shot poorly from the floor last season, netting only 42 percent of his attempts.  Another year in college is sure to improve that statistic and drive up Harrison stock next year. 

Perry Jones

It's rare that a player who averaged a modest 14 ppg and seven rebounds for a team that failed to make the NCAA tournament would be heralded as possibly the next big thing, but Perry Jones is very rare indeed. At 6'11" and 235 lbs, Jones was a standout talent at Baylor and would have been a top selection in this year's draft had he not decided to return to the Bears for his sophomore season. 

Perry Jones talent is unquestionable. He is a fluid athlete with legitimate guard skills and figured to play on the wing in the NBA. He is a excellent ball-handler and has the ability to dribble and finish with either hand. He's great facing up in the mid-post area where he can use his superior foot speed and great length to attack the basket. He's an instinctual player and moves well without the ball. His game greatly resembles that of a young Tracy McGrady. The jump shot needs some work, but his potential is truly unlimited.

Jones, however, had disappointments on and off the court. He did not dominate the way some thought he should have and many question his motor and intensity. He sometimes seems to sleep walk through games and looks as though he lacks motivation at times. He was suspended for a game in the Big 12 tournament for receiving improper benefits and will have to sit out five games to begin this upcoming season. 

Although there are plenty of questions surrounding Jones, it is hard to find a situation where his name is not called very early next June.  

For more 2011 NBA draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for NBA draft results and NBA draft grades.