NBA Draft 2012: 5 Best Low Post Scorers

Though this is considered to be a strong crop of power forwards, the 2012 NBA Draft doesn't have a litany of developed low post players.

That is to be expected, as most of the top power forward and center prospects are also of above average athleticism. That trait seems to deter young players from working to develop the foot work to be effective on the post.

These five NBA prospects are either the exception, not as athletic as some of their front court peers or have shown the commitment to improving this rare skill.

5. DeWayne Dedmond: USC

A true seven-footer, Dedmond is a late comer to organized basketball, but he is long, athletic, unselfish and coachable. USC head coach, Kevin O'Neill is already touting him as a potential lottery pick.

He is a junior-college transfer, so he is a bit older than most NCAA Division I new comers. He shows good foot work, especially when you consider he began to play organized ball as an upper-classmen in high school.

He has suffered a preseason setback as he broke his hand last week. He is expected to miss the first four to six weeks. That may impact his development and push him into the 2013 NBA Draft. But for now, he's still considered a prospect for this year.

4. Renardo Sidney: Mississippi State

Sidney is one of the most talented players in the country, regardless of size, but he has plenty of that too. At 6'10" 275 lbs, Sidney has the height and bulk to play the five in the NBA.

Unfortunately, he has had plenty of off the court problems in his young basketball career. A much publicized and viewed fight in the stands with a Bulldogs teammate and weight problems.

He has a feathery touch and great vision as he passes effectively from the low-post. He is not a great athlete and this is magnified when he gives less than 100 percent or he gets winded.

If he is able to commit to this craft, he could be a formidable big-man in the NBA. If he doesn't, he may not even be drafted.

3. Festus Ezeli: Vanderbilt

Very athletic and explosive, he plays with great energy and his offensive post game is developing. The best trait Ezeli brings is his commitment to improving as a scoring option.

He moves well with and without the ball. He has great length and bounce, but his post skills are intermediate at this point. I believe he will get much better in this category.

I think he may be a real sleeper in this draft.

2. Andre Drummond: UCONN

Drummond is the most exciting prospect in the 2012 NBA Draft. So, why is he not my top low post scorer? Well, he hasn't completely developed that aspect of his game.

His foot work still needs some work, but his athleticism, length and intensity around the basket is impressive. I see a mixture of three players when I watch him.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Kemp and a right-handed Derrick Coleman. It could be a load to handle. Drummond is expected to be the top pick in the draft as of now.

1. Jared Sullinger: Ohio State

Sullinger is undersized and not an elite level athlete, but the one thing he can do is score on the block. He is tremendously strong and has a nice touch around the basket and his footwork is great.

That is the only way a 6'7" power forward will score with the regularity that Sullinger can. That said, I'm not sure he would be a player I'd take with thoughts of starting him at power forward.

He is a great sixth-man option as a scorer off the bench, but he will experience some of the same problems Carlos Boozer has.

Undersized and non-elite level athletes struggle to score in the post at the pro level. So, though his skill level on the block is the most developed of all the prospects, his physical limitations make me nervous.