Kentucky vs. Kansas: Breaking Down Top NBA Prospects on Both Teams

We may not have an NBA season this year, but there's always next year.

Tonight, No. 2 Kentucky heads into Madison Square Garden to face the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks and, as always, it promises to be a testy affair.

In the 2011 draft, former Kentucky prospects Enes Kanter and Brandon Knight were selected in the top 10, while Kansas' Markieff brothers were selected No. 14 and No. 15 overall.

This season, Kansas has one prospect who could explode onto the scene after languishing behind the Markieff brothers last season, and Kentucky has five legitimate first-rounders.

Here's a breakdown of the top prospects from Kentucky and Kansas.

1. Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

The only freshman this season who may rival Anthony Davis is UConn's Andre Drummond and North Carolina's James McAdoo.

Davis' potential is off the charts. He has ridiculous athleticism for a 6'10" forward, great length and his ability to stretch the floor will cause matchup problems for opponents all season long. On top of that, he handles like a guard, can guard multiple positions, is a threat as a blocker and is an excellent passer.

It's not going to be hard to spot Anthony Davis this season because it would be a shock if he didn't dominate.

2. Michael Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

A strong 6'7" forward, Michael Gilchrist is simply a pest to opposing offenses.

His length and athleticism will have him matched up with the other teams' best offensive players this season, and he glides across the floor.

That includes on the offensive side, where he is a proficient scorer, passer and ball-handler who makes everyone around him better.

This kid will be welcomed with open arms by many NBA teams.

3. Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Terrence Jones opted to forgo the 2011 draft primarily because there were questions about his consistency and focus.

But there's no question Jones is still a top talent.

At 6'9", Jones has the athleticism to blow past a lot of defenders off the dribble and can be a handle on the post. He still needs to work on his outside game and that concentration, but it would be hard to see him falling out of the top 15, regardless of the draft position and team needs.

4. Thomas Robinson, SF/PF, Kansas

Right now, many people have Jones as a better replacement than Thomas Robinson, but I wouldn't be surprised if Robinson surpasses Jones by the time the draft comes around.

I simply love this guy's game. He isn't the offensive force that Jones is, but he brings a wide variety of skills to the basketball court. He plays hard, plays solid defense and has big-time potential rebounding the ball. It doesn't hurt that he has a seven-foot wingspan, great strength and explosive athleticism.

Look for Robinson to polish his offensive game this season and start to become a force with the Markieff brothers out of town.

5. Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Freshman Marquis Teague has some weaknesses he will have to iron out in his game, but his strength and athleticism alone at 6'2" can completely overwhelm opposing guards.

He gets to the paint pretty much anytime he wants, has great finishing ability and runs the floor beautifully, with the instincts to find his open teammates when defenses swarm around him.

However, in a half-court set, that's where Teague has trouble. His decision-making against zone defenses is suspect, and he oftentimes takes too many dribbles. He also isn't a very good perimeter shooter now, so defenses should be backing off him until he proves he can beat them from deep.

6. Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

Doron Lamb was overshadowed by Kentucky's stars last season, but when given the opportunity, he was extremely efficient.

He's not going to be a top prospect because he has in-between size at 6'4" and doesn't have NBA-level athleticism, but you've got to love his skill set and unwavering mentality.

Lamb plays like a veteran already after just one season in college and will make you pay on offense if you make a mistake. He capitalizes on gaps in the defense tremendously, which makes him a better offensive player than he otherwise would be with his athleticism.

He's also a tremendous shooter at long range with the passing ability to be more than just a spot-up shooter.

You add tenacious aggressiveness on both sides of the ball and you have a player who will be a favorite in the locker room from the very start.