College Basketball Preview: Best Games to See Future NBA Talent

NBA fans usually are not interested in college basketball until March rolls around. We fill out our brackets, follow the Cinderella teams, and if our team is not in playoff contention, hope the pro team is tanking enough to land a big-time college player.

This year is much different. NBA fans are eager to get their hoops fix.

The 2012 draft class is stacked and the big name teams (UNC, Duke, Ohio State, Kentucky) are loaded with big time talent. There are also some jewels in the rough, if you know where to look.

Here is an easy guide for which games NBA fans should circle on their calender. (They are not all teams with lottery bound players. If that were recommended, you will have seen Ashley Judd more than any moviegoer has in the past year.) 

With no end to the lockout in sight, it should give you enough time to create a campaign to encourage your teams to lose in order to get a top-tier player.

Speaking of which, what rhymes with Drummond? 

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin: February 9 and February 28

This game may not be full of lottery picks, but there is solid talent here nonetheless. 

Jordan Taylor, preseason All-American, is projected to be a second-round pick. If the Badger point guard can lead a big run for Bo Ryan's team, his draft stock will increase.  

The Gophers' big man Trevor Mbakwe is a late first-round, early second-round pick. The big man is talented. However, there are a lot of players who own his skill set (solid rebounder with good post up game) and Mbakwe will need to make a statement if he wants the attention of NBA scouts.

Connecticut vs. Syracuse: February 2 and February 11

No team in the Big East comes close to matching the defending champs' potential pro talent.

Andre Drummond is a trending No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft. Jeremey Lamb is also projected to be a mid-level first-round pick. Alex Oriakhi is an early second-round choice.

Syracuse is a young team with a lot of talent. Rakeem Christmas probably won't enter the draft for a few years. Under the tutelage of Jim Boheim, he should gain a lot in his freshman season. Kris Joseph will likely develop into a solid role player for a pro team in the future. 

Marquette vs. Villanova: January 1 and January 28

The two players to watch in this Big East showdown are Marquette guard Darius Johnson-Odom and Villanova big  man Mouphtaou Yarou.

Johnson-Odom is the senior point guard for the Golden Eagles and one of the best floor generals in the Big East. He has extremely good fundamentals. Look for him to make the NBA transition easily. 

Yarou is a big man primed for a breakout season. He is the top prospect at the center position in the Big East. 

Washington vs. California: January 19

The Pac-12 is not the NBA clearing house that the Big East and ACC are. However, if you decide to stay up late and catch the West coast games there will be number of potential NBA players.

One of them is Washington wingman Terrance Ross. He has the tools to become a big time shooter in the NBA. 

Allen Crabbe was the dominant freshman in the Pac-12 last year. Even though he probably won't be declaring for the NBA draft next year, look for him to make a statement and prove that he can the lead the Golden Bears.

Vanderbilt vs. Florida: February 1 and February 28

Vanderbilt is one of the most intriguing teams this year. They've got an experienced and deep team. Jeff Taylor, John Jenkins and Festus Ezeli are all projected to be drafted next year.

Brad Beal is an exciting young prospect in Gainesville. Patric Young has the right tools to be a powerful big man in the NBA.

Baylor vs. Texas A&M: January 2 and February 1

The showdown in the lone star state will have a fun matchup between Quincy Miller and Perry Jones against Khris Middleton. All three are potential lottery picks. 

It's also a matchup between two teams that could end Kansas' streak of Big 12 championships.

Ohio State vs. Kansas: December 10

Jared Sullinger and Thomas Robinson will probably need a lot of ice packs after this game. 

These two power forwards are monster athletes who are phenomenal post players.

Look for a physical matchup. 

Duke vs. North Carolina: Feb 8 and March 3

Better get your air conditioners ready, folks. Because this matchup is going to be hotter than a Tobacco Road cigarette. 

Even though this is always a "must see game," NBA scouts will prowling at this one.

It's got three players who are lottery locks (Barnes, McAdoo, Rivers) and a lot more who will be eagerly snatched up in the 2012 draft.

Ohio State vs. Duke: November 29

Another eagerly anticipated game between two marquee big men: Mason Plumlee and Jared Sullinger. 

William Buford should provide an early test for young phenom Austin Rivers.

North Carolina vs. Kentucky: December 3

The 'Heels and the 'Cats might as well just be wearing US flags for jerseys because there will an absurd number of potential All-Americans on the floor during this game. 

There are great matchups all across the board here. 

Scouts are salivating over Kentucky big man Anthony Davis. UNC veterans John Henson and Tyler Zeller will look to show him a thing or two about prime time college basketball.

If John Calipari has anything to say about, Marquis Teague, Michael Gilchrist and Deron Lamb will be looking for good agents come next June.

This game may as well be played in Iowa because its going to be all about the Barnes. (Harrison, that is).

Overall, there are eight players between the two teams who are projected to be first-round picks.

Oh yeah, and it's also a grudge match. Look for North Carolina to try and avenge last year's Elite Eight loss.