NBA Draft 2012 Projected Top 5
Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Terrance Jones, Perry Jones, Tu Holloway, Ashton Gibbs, the list of elite players goes on and on, players who are returning to college for another year because of the possibility of an NBA lockout.
All are vying to have big years, get another shot at a national championship, and put their names in the running for potential top five NBA Draft picks. All these players will be up against a strong 2011 recruiting class which includes Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Austin Rivers, and Michael Gilchrist, just to name a few. Who has the talent and potential to be a top five pick in the 2012 NBA Draft?
1. Harrison Barnes
1 of 5The player who probably would have been drafted first in 2011, if it wasn't for returning to school, will have an even better year in his sophomore campaign. Barnes can score, rebound, assist, and defend. North Carolina's late season run was mostly due to Barnes becoming more reliable and more consistent. NBA teams will be lining up for Barnes come draft day. Harrison Barnes will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
NBA comparison: Carmelo Anthony
2. Andre Drummond
2 of 5A late commitment to UConn originally out of the 2012 recruiting class, Drummond should be eligible for his freshman year. If his eligibility passes look for him to be the guy UConn leans on, along with Jeremy Lamb, in their try at repeating as national champions. Drummond will make an immediate impact in the Big East and on a national scale, as he will quickly solidify himself as one of the best big men in the country. Andre Drummond will be the No. 2 overall pick the 2012 NBA Draft.
NBA Comparison: Dwight Howard
3. Anthony Davis
3 of 5The unbelievable story of Davis is something people will be talking about for years to come. A kid who was 6'3" just the other day is now a 6'10" superstar with freaky athletic ability, super long arms (7'4" wingspan), and a pretty sweet jumpshot. Davis will have a big year for Coach Calipari at Kentucky alongside first year point guard Marquise Teague and sophomores Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb. Davis might have more potential than any other possible draft pick but needs to add weight to his 200 lb frame. Anthony Davis will be the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Garnett
4. Jared Sullinger
4 of 5The hometown hero will have much of the same success as he did last year for OSU. A possible 20 point/10 rebound guy every time he steps on the floor, Sullinger has a feel around the basket unlike any other big man in the country. Sullinger knows how, where, and when to position himself for possible rebounds, tip in, and put-back dunks. Athleticism will be a concern on many NBA GMs minds. Jared Sullinger will be the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Love
5. Jeremy Lamb
5 of 5The sophomore will be UConn's go to guy with the departure of All-American Kemba Walker. Expect a big year out of Lamb. He is coming off a freshman season where he gained confidence towards the end of the year and lifted, alongside Kemba, the Huskies to the national championship. Lamb also gained valuable experience this summer playing for the U-19 USA junior team, where he led the team in scoring. Jeremy Lamb will be the No. 5 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady
