2012 NBA Draft Underclassmen Watch

Decision time is here for underclassmen draft prospects to decide whether or not they want to forego their remaining eligibility and enter the NBA draft or stay in school for the 2012-2013 season. While the NBA has an April 29th deadline for underclassman and international players under the age of 22 to make themselves eligible for the draft, the NCAA recently imposed an April 10th deadline for underclassmen to make their decision.

Last year underclassman had until May 8th to withdraw with their eligibility intact. That allowed them to thoroughly evaluate their stock and work out for NBA teams. Now not only do they have to make their choice on a shorter timetable, but they also have to do so without working out for any teams. Teams are prohibited from working out or contacting players prior to the league’s official release of draft-eligible underclassmen, which is expected nearly three full weeks after the NCAA’s deadline.

These changes basically make the NBA’s declaration and withdrawal dates apply solely to international players. Collegiate players will have to abide by the NCAA’s rules, as inconvenient and inconsiderate as they may be.

The new set of circumstances has led to an increased amount of draft activity as of late. Below you will find a list that shows which underclassmen are in, out and on the fence. It will be updated as decisions are made and become fully complete on June 18th, the NBA’s withdrawal date. That’s when we’ll know all the international players staying in. We’ll know which college players are in and out come April 11th.

In The Draft With An Agent

Will Barton (Memphis, So.) – 6’6, 175 lbs. Shooting Guard
Analysis: Coming off of a big year in which he averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. He showed significant growth from his freshman year and appears to have a lot of upside. Typically someone with his talent and promise would be a lock to be a first round pick, but this year’s draft is deeper than most. Projection: Late 1st – early 2nd.

Moe Harkless (St. John’s, Fr.) – 6’8, 208 lbs. Power Forward
Analysis: Stood out for an otherwise disappointing St. John’s squad, putting up 15 points, eight rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game. He’s banking on strong performances in private workouts being better for his stock than staying in school another year. Projection: Mid-to-late 1st.

Austin Rivers (Duke, Fr.) – 6’4, 200 lbs. Guard
Analysis: Surprising nobody by leaving early since it was clear that he had a pro-level skill set from early on. For him the draft process will be all about selling himself at a particular position. Right now nobody is really sure about whether or not he’s a shooting guard or point guard. Projection: Late lottery.

Dion Waiters (Syracuse, So.) – 6’4, 215 lbs. Shooting Guard
Analysis: Doubled his production from his freshman year. It would have been really intriguing to see how he did in a featured role his junior year, but he played well enough to justify leaving early. He should be able to contribute offensively right away: Projection: Late 1st round.

Maalik Wayns (Villanova, Jr.) – 6’2, 185 lbs. Point Guard
Analysis: Had a career-year across the board in a down year for the Wildcats. As impressive as his 17 points a game were, scouts are concerned about his playmaking skills and three-point shooting. He doesn’t have a lot of momentum behind him right now, making individual workouts vital. Projection: 2nd round-undrafted.

Royce White (Iowa State, So.) – 6’8, 270 lbs. Forward
Analysis: One of the most versatile players in the draft, evident by the 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists he averaged for the Cyclones. A strong outing against Kentucky’s lottery-pick-laden frontline pushed him off the fence and into the draft. Problems with anxiety, among other off-the-court issues, could hurt his stock. Projection: Mid-to-late 1st round.

Hollis Thompson (Georgetown, Jr.) – 6’8, 212 lbs. Small Forward
Analysis: Averaged a modest 12 points and five rebounds a game, but the Hoyas were a well-balanced team this year without any true stars. He’s the kind of guy who could make a roster just based off of his stellar three-point shooting ability. If he can convince teams that he can do more at the pro-level, he’ll rise. Projection: Mid-to-late 2nd round.

Renardo Sidney (Mississippi State, Jr.) – 6’10, 285 lbs. Center
Analysis: Has been associated with the NBA since before he received his high school diploma. Unfortunately, Sidney’s stock is at its lowest point. He drastically underachieved as a junior despite his vast amount of talent. He has to seriously transform his body and attitude if he wants to be anything other than a story about what could have been. Projection: Undrafted.

Testing The Waters Without An Agent

C.J. McCollum (Lehigh, Jr.) – 6’3, 190 lbs. Guard
Jared Cunningham (Oregon State, Jr.) – 6’4, 194 lbs. Shooting Guard
Damian Lillard (Weber State, Jr.) – 6’3, 195 lbs. Point Guard
Victor Rudd (South Florida, So.) – 6’7, 208 lbs. Small Forward

Undecided

Harrison Barnes (North Carolina, So.) – 6’8, 215 lbs. Small Forward
Bradley Beal (Florida, Fr.) – 6’3, 207 lbs. Shooting Guard
J’Covan Brown (Texas, Jr.) – 6’1, 197 lbs. Guard
Trey Burke (Michigan, Fr.) – 5’11, 180 lbs. Point Guard
Anthony Davis (Kentucky, Fr.) – 6’10, 220 lbs. Power Forward
Andre Drummond (UConn, Fr.) – 6’10, 270 lbs. Center
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Michigan, So.) – 6’6, 200 lbs. Shooting Guard
John Henson (North Carolina) – 6’11, 220 lbs. Power Forward
John Jenkins (Vanderbilt, So.) – 6’4, 215 lbs. Shooting Guard
Perry Jones III (Baylor, So.) – 6’11, 235 lbs. Forward
Terrence Jones (Kentucky, So.) – 6’9, 252 lbs. Power Forward
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky, Fr.) – 6’7, 232 lbs. Small Forward
Doron Lamb (Kentucky, So.) – 6’4, 210 lbs. Shooting Guard
Jeremy Lamb (UConn, So.) – 6’5, 180 lbs. Shooting Guard
Meyers Leonard (Illinois, So.) – 7’1, 245 lbs. Center
C.J. Leslie (N.C. State, So.) – 6’8, 209 lbs. Power Forward
Kendall Marshall (North Carolina, So.) – 6’4, 195 lbs. Point Guard
James Michael McAdoo (North Carolina, Fr.) – 6’9, 220 lbs. Power Forward
Fab Melo (Syracuse, So.) – 7’0, 255 lbs. Center
Quincy Miller (Baylor, Fr.) – 6’9, 210 lbs. Small Forward
Tony Mitchell (North Texas, Fr.) – 6’8, 235 lbs. Power Forward
Mike Moser (UNLV, So.) – 6’8, 210 lbs. Power Forward
Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State, Jr.) – 6’11, 230 lbs. Power Forward
Otto Porter (Georgetown, Fr.) – 6’8, 205 lbs. Forward
Mason Plumlee (Duke, Jr.) – 6’10, 235 lbs. Power Forward/Center
Andre Roberson (Colorado, So.) – 6’7, 210 lbs. Small Forward
Thomas Robinson (Kansas, Jr.) – 6’10, 237 lbs. Power Forward
Terrence Ross (Washington, So.) – 6’6, 195 lbs. Shooting Guard
Josh Smith (UCLA, So.) – 6’10, 305 lbs. Center
Jared Sullinger (Ohio State, So.) – 6’9, 265 lbs. Power Forward
Marquis Teague (Kentucky, Fr.) – 6’2, 189 lbs. Point Guard
Adonis Thomas (Memphis, Fr.) – 6’6, 222 lbs. Small Forward
Deshaun Thomas (Ohio State, So.) – 6’7, 225 lbs. Small Forward
Christian Watford (Indiana, Jr.) – 6’9, 225 lbs. Forward
Jeff Withey (Kansas, Jr.) – 7’0, 235 lbs. Center
Tony Wroten (Washington, Fr.) – 6’5, 205 lbs. Guard
BJ Young (Arkansas, Fr.) – 6’3, 175 lbs. Point Guard
Cody Zeller (Indiana, Fr.) – 6’11, 230 lbs. Power Forward/Center

Staying In School

Myck Kabongo (Texas, Fr.) – 6’1, 169 lbs. Point Guard
Doug McDermott (Creighton, So.) – 6’7, 220 lbs. Small Forward
Patric Young (Florida, So.) – 6’9, 247 lbs. Power Forward
LeBryan Nash (Oklahoma State, Fr.) – 6’7, 230 lbs. Small Forward