NBA Draft 2012: 14 Most Enticing Prospects

The 2011 NBA Draft was regarded as one of the weakest in recent history. 

It wasn't top-heavy and it wasn't very deep considering roughly 10 players whose names got called were unknown to basketball fans across the country. There isn't a consensus feeling that even the top two picks—Duke's Kyrie Irving and Arizona's Derrick Williams—will reach All-Star status during their respective careers.

Next year's class, on the other hand, has potential to be special. It's littered with talented incoming freshman and a slew of sophomore studs who surprised many by returning for another year of school. Their decision to put off playing professionally is what made this year's cupboard as bare as it was. 

Here's a look at the top-14 prospects for the 2012 draft. Get to know their names and their games. With the lockout becoming a near certainty, it may be all fans have to look forward to for a while.

14. Marquis Teague, Kentucky (Fr.)

Teague, brother of Atlanta Hawks' point guard Jeff Teague, is headed to Kentucky to play point guard for John Calipari, whose last four became lottery picks.

Marquis hopes to join Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall and Brandon Knight. I'd call that pretty good company.

While he doesn't possess the freakish combination of elite size and athleticism that the other four do, he does have great court vision and a lightning-quick first step. 

ESPN's Chad Ford says he tends to play out of control and needs to develop a perimeter game, neither of which is surprising when addressing the weaknesses of most 18-year-old point guards. 

Playing on a loaded Wildcats squad will only help Teague's stock. 

13. LeBryan Nash, Oklahoma State (Fr.)

Nash has drawn comparisons to the enigmatic Ron Artest. There's a lot of good in that, but a lot of bad as well.

Start with the good. He's a physical specimen at 6'7" 230 pounds, and he's versatile at both ends of the floor. Ford notes that he plays with unrivaled intensity, and has amazing athletic ability to boot. Nash can beat you in the post or from the perimeter. 

It's all deadly. But, as we've seen at times with Artest, so are his maturity issues. He's prone to mental lapses, poor body language, and often lets his emotions get the best of him. 

If Nash can keep his head on straight, it sounds like the Cowboys and a future NBA franchise will be bringing in a special player.

12. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State (So.)

No introduction needed here.

Sullinger beasted during his freshman campaign in Columbus, averaging just over 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Buckeyes land the No. 1 overall seed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. 

He has great size and strength, is a dominant rebounder and proved himself to be one of the nation's fiercest competitors. 

Ford currently has him ranked No. 8 on his big board, so why is he so low here? Because he lacks three things that are essential at the NBA level: lateral quickness, size and the ability to play above the rim. Sullinger can bully college post players with his lower body strength but, at 6'9" he's going to be considered undersized in the pros.

He doesn't have a great mid-range game and isn't dominant defensively. Is he a lottery pick? Yes. But will Sullinger be a top-10 pick at this time next year after scouts have had another 12 months to dissect him? Doubtful. 

You heard it here first.

11. Myck Kabongo, Texas (Fr.)

Kabongo is the definition of pure point guard. Ford notes that he's an excellent leader, sees the floor well and is a phenomenal passer.

What separates him from Marquis Teague is his ability to burn opponents from the perimeter.

The only knock on the soon-to-be Longhorn is his size, as he stands just 6'1".

Good things come in small packages. 

10. John Henson, North Carolina (Jr.)

Henson is another familiar name.

He made huge strides during his sophomore year at Chapel Hill, more than doubling his per game averages in points (11.7), rebounds (10.1) and blocks (3.2). 

As you can tell from his high rebound and block totals, Henson is a very instinctive player and, at 6'10", is very disruptive in the paint area. He's still a bit of a project offensively, but possesses an elite motor and athleticism, so his ceiling is high. 

If he bulks up and adds any semblance of a perimeter attack, Henson can grow into the mold of a Kevin Garnett-type player.

9. James McAdoo, North Carolina (Fr.)

McAdoo, nephew of former NBA star Bob McAdoo, will join Henson in the post for the Tar Heels this fall. 

He's a few inches shorter, but brings some of the same strengths, including rebounding, defensive instincts and a motor that never seizes. Ford compared his old-school nature to Tim Duncan, which is awfully high praise for the freshman. 

The Norfolk, VA product is very efficient offensively and thrives facing the basket. McAdoo averaged 23 points, nine rebounds and two blocks as a senior. He promises to play an important role in what many feel will be a championship season for Roy Williams' team.

8. Terrence Jones, Kentucky (So.)

Jones was a big reason why the Wildcats made a run to their first Final Four since 1998. 

The freshman averaged 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and two blocks, showing the ability to take over a game in both the paint and on the perimeter. 

NBA scouts drool over his passing and ball handling skills, things most 6'9" forwards don't possess. With that said, Ford notes that he needs to stop falling in love with the three-point shot and play from the block more often. 

While that may be true, it sounds like nitpicking to me. Jones is primed for a huge season in 2011-12.

7. Austin Rivers, Duke (Fr.)

Rivers is about to enter his freshman year at Duke, but don't you feel like you've known him forever?

This kid has been the talk of the 2011 freshman class since 2007, and it's easy to see why.

Austin is the son of Doc—head coach of the Boston Celtics—and brother to Jeremiah, who just wrapped up his college career at Indiana. He has terrific bloodlines and an unbelievably polished offensive arsenal. 

Ford notes that Rivers has limitless range on his shot, but isn't afraid to mix in his smooth floater from time to time. He's clutch, has a killer instinct and great passing abilities.

There are some red flags. Ford says his left hand is weak, he can be selfish and doesn't always defend. My guess is those weaknesses will become strengths after a few months with Mike Krzyzewski and his staff.

6. Michael Gilchrist, Kentucky (Fr.)

Like seemingly everyone on this list, Gilchrist is headed to Lexington to play his one college season for Calipari and the Wildcats.

Most people are familiar with Gil, who was in the top-three of everyone's 2011 rankings. He's one of the best athletes in the country, but isn't passive by any means. Ford says he's aggressive offensively, and will be one of the nation's toughest, most physical defenders. 

He dropped a bit on this list because he lacks a perimeter game. That part of his game must develop this season or he's headed for trouble at the next level. 

Athleticism can only get you so far in the NBA because, well, everyone in the league has it. All small forwards must be perimeter-oriented to a degree to keep defenses honest. 

If Gilchrist plans on becoming elite, he'd be wise to hone in on that area.

5. Bradley Beal, Florida (Fr.)

Beal is the top shooting guard in the class of 2011, and will be joining Billy Donovan at the University of Florida.

Imagine if Austin Rivers didn't renege on his verbal commitment to the program. He and Beal would give SEC coaches nightmares. 

Beal received many of the same reviews as Rivers; great shooter, unlimited range, fearless in the clutch, good ball handler and a high basketball IQ. What he is that apparently Rivers is not is a solid defender and a willing passer with point guard abilities.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for Beal to focus on strengthening those skills because, at 6'5" 195 pounds, he's going to be a bit undersized at the two-guard position in the NBA. 

Regardless, there's a lot to like about this St. Louis, Mo. native, and he's certain to have the eye of all NBA scouts this season. 

4. Quincy Miller, Baylor (Fr.)

Miller is the first of two Baylor Bears in the top four. He's a hybrid forward, meaning he can play the small or power position.

Ford notes that he's very versatile, and has the skill set to score efficiently inside and out. He's a solid athlete with good size and feel for the game. 

Already projected as a top-10 pick next year, Miller must shake the tendency to rely on his jump shot and add strength to his lanky frame.

3. Perry Jones, Baylor (So.)

Of all the players that decided to put off NBA riches, Jones' decision came as the biggest surprise. 

Some believed he would be the top-overall pick in this year's draft if he came out, which seems unlikely looking ahead to 2012. 

He averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and a block last year for the Bears, who ended up being one of the nation's biggest disappointments. Maybe he wanted to return to wash the bad taste out of his mouth.

Whatever the reason, his name won't last long next year. Jones is just short of seven-feet tall and quality big men are hard to come by. He can score from anywhere on the floor, is great in transition, possesses elite length and jumps through the roof. 

If Jones has a great year, don't be surprised if he's taken No. 1 overall next June.

2. Anthony Davis, Kentucky (Fr.)

So it's clear at this point that Kentucky has an embarrassment of riches.

Not only is Davis the No. 1 player in the class of 2011, he's also considered by most scouts to be the No. 1 prospect for next year's draft. That spot was reserved for another player on this list, but Davis is worthy. 

He had 16 points, 12 boards and two blocks in the McDonald's All-American Game, showing off a skill set that reminded many of Kevin Durant.

Davis is 6'10" but has a great handle and is at his best when he's taking defenders off the dribble. He can guard multiple positions and, as Ford noted, is one of the most mentally tough players in the class. 

There's no reason to believe he won't be an All-Star level player in the NBA.

1. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina (So.)

North Carolina vs. Kentucky, 2012 Final, anyone?

If this list is any indicator, that's just what we're headed for. 

The two schools combined for seven of the 14 players on this list, four of which are freshman. The only hope for the rest of the country is that the newbies struggle, because if they all pan out, it's hard to fathom either squad losing more than once or twice.

Barnes can relate to the hype that freshmen like Davis, Beal and Rivers have garnered. He was all the rage entering last year, even becoming the first freshman named to the preseason All-American team. 

He didn't quite live up to the early accolade, but I'll bet my well-being that he's a first-teamer at the end of the upcoming season. Barnes had a good freshman campaign, and was great while leading the Tar Heels to the Elite Eight. 

The Ames, IA sensation averaged just under 16 points and six rebounds, frequently shining in the clutch.

There aren't many holes in Barnes' game. The Tar Heels are loaded, but it's his team. He controls their destiny and, for now, the No. 1 spot on the top prospects for 2012 list.