NBA Draft 2012: Best Player at Each Position

Because the lockout seemed like it would never end (thank the Lord it did though), many people got into college basketball. I have been studying drafts of the past decade in depth and I must say, this year's draft has the most promising talent we've seen in a while!

There's depth of talent at almost every position, especially the forwards, and teams throughout the first round will be able to find just the player to suit their needs.

Here are the best players in the nation at every position:

P.S.- The players chosen are based off of potential to make an impact at the professional level. Some players maybe better college players than others, while others are better off playing the NBA style of game.

Point Guard- Marquis Teague, Kentucky

This may be a little bit of a controversial pick, as Teague has started off a little bumpy in the NCAA, but again, this is based off of predictions of production in the NBA.

The best point guard in college ball right now most definitely isn't Teague, since players like Kendall Marshall have outplayed him so far, but he has the brightest future.

Teague can be a prolific scorer, with good range on his jump shot, a nice arsenal of moves like floaters and pull up jump shots, and lightning quick speed.

Also, he is extremely athletic, an amazing ball handler, and has above average court vision.

I can see Teague's best years in the NBA coming to the tune of about 21 points, seven assists, two steals and three rebounds per game.

Runner-up: Myck Kabongo

Shooting Guard- Jeremy Lamb, UCONN

Here's an NBA comparison I thought of for Jeremy Lamb: Kevin Durant.

There almost identical players, except Lamb is shorter and plays the shooting guard position.

He's an outstanding scorer, having an amazing jump shot and being able to use his great athleticism to score on the drive as well.

One thing Lamb has going for him as of now that Durant didn't when first coming into the NBA? Defense. Lamb is a superb defender who has extremely great length and is able to bother opposing offenses.

He's also a good ball-handler, and his only real weakness that can be pointed out is his skinny frame, something Durant had to fix in his first few years also.

I can see Lamb maxing at 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block per game.

Runner-up: Brad Beal

Small Forward- Harrison Barnes, UNC

As much as I hate the man, I have to give him credit as the best small forward in the nation. It also pains me to have him ahead of Terrence Jones.

He has such a silky smooth jump shot that I was scared every time he got the ball against my Kentucky Wildcats a couple of days ago.

He's a menace on offense, and he also isn't a slouch on defense either.

He needs to work on his ball-handling, though, as he can barely dribble with his left hand for a start player at the collegiate level.

In Barnes's best years he will be good for nightly averages of 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block per game.

Runner-up: Terrence Jones

Power Forward- Anthony Davis, Kentucky

When you're averaging in excess of four blocks per game as a freshmen, and you're not even seven feet tall, you know you're special.

One thing Davis hasn't been able to show off on such a stacked team like Kentucky is his ability to score. He can do it, and he's pretty darn good at it too.

He's also a force on the boards, and he is basically screaming out potential while also having that same word painted all over him.

He will be a defensive stopper in the NBA, and his guard like ball-handling doesn't hurt either. All he needs to do is bulk up and he'll be a force.

I see him fulfilling his potential at about 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal per game.

Runner-up: Jared Sullinger

Center- Andre Drummond, UCONN

He's started off rough in college, but you can't blame the guy! He shouldn't even be at this level yet, as he skipped his senior year of high school to make the quick jump to college.

Drummond has the most potential out of this draft. He's an athletic big man made in the mold of Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire, but he possesses skills of both big men.

Unlike Dwight, he doesn't need to rely on athleticism to score, as he has some pretty good back-to-basket moves and a reliable jump shot.

Unlike Amare, he can rebound at a high rate and he's a force when it comes to shot blocking, due to his athleticism and length. He's also an all around good post defender.

If all goes well for Drummond, don't be surprised if he's the best center in the league by his fifth season, and his prime years will most likely yield averages of 22 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and two to three blocks per game.

Runner-up: Cody Zeller