This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
11. Portland
Meyers Leonard
7-foot-1, 250 pounds, center, Illinois, 20
Strengths • Leonard is very mobile for a big man, and has a glob of potential. Improved drastically from his freshman to sophomore year at Illinois.
History • Leonard became one of the best big players in the Big 10 last year, holding down the paint. His stock rose considerably, as a result.
—
12. Houston
Kendall Marshall
6-foot-4, 197 pounds, point guard, North Carolina, 20
Strengths • There isn't a better passing point guard in the draft, as Marshall is capable of creating good looks off the dribble. Improved his scoring and quickness last season.
History • Marshall took over the starting role midway through his freshman season at North Carolina. The Tar Heels took off as a result. His team was hurt significantly when he missed the latter half of the NCAA Tournament due to injury.
—
13. Phoenix Suns
John Henson
6-foot-10, 216 pounds, power forward, North Carolina, 21
Strengths • A great shot-blocker and athlete, Henson's body and game reminds many of Hakim Warrick, a forward already on the Suns roster.
History • Henson arrived on campus as an incredibly skinny freshman. He's still incredibly skinny, but he's much more skilled. He's one of the more NBA-ready players in the field.
—
14. Milwaukee
Jared Sullinger
6-foot-9, 268 pounds, power forward, Ohio State, 20
Strengths • Will be able to step in immediately and score on the blocks. Sullinger is a load to handle in the paint, and has developed a reliable shot from 18-20 feet.
History • Sullinger's stock has taken a significant drop because of a back that has general managers concerned. He also has top-10 talent, so he could be a steal at this point.
—
15. Philadelphia
Tyler Zeller, 7-0, 247 pounds, center, North Carolina, 22
Strengths • Zeller runs the floor better than any big man in this draft. He can shoot the jump hook with either hand, and he blocks shots as well.
History • Zeller's been a three-year starter under Roy Williams and is another big man ready to step in and contribute. This would be a good fit for Philly.
—
16. Houston
Moe Harkless, 6-foot-9, 207 pounds, small forward, St. John's, 19
Strengths • Has a ton of potential as the youngest player in the draft. Harkless is athletic and could pay huge returns a few years down the road.
History • Harkless played much better for the Red Storm in the second-half of the season. By the end of the year, he was arguably the best freshman in the Big East.
—
17. Dallas
Terrence Ross, 6-7, 197 pounds, shooting guard, Washington, 21
Strengths • A shooter with length and athleticism, which is just what the Mavericks need. Ross can score off the dribble and on the catch-and-shoot.
History • Ross played two years at Washington, where his play was disappointing at times, despite his lottery talent. Maybe that's why he's pegged in the low teens.
—
18. Houston
Perry Jones III, 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, small forward, Baylor, 20
Strengths • Jones III is one of the most talented players in the draft, physically. From the neck up? That's a different story. It will be interesting to see how hard he works to reach his vast potential.
History • Jones III is an all-conference small forward who has come up small way too much in the past few years. But, his Baylor Bears reached a regional final last season, so he has won and has experienced success.
—
19. Orlando
Royce White, 6-foot-8, 261 pounds, small forward, Iowa State, 21
Strengths • White may be the best all-around talent in the draft. Does a bit of everything, and is a great athlete as well.
History • White has significant personal issues. If he can keep them under control, he can have a very good career. If he can't, his baggage will cause great concern for whatever team drafts him.
—
20. Denver
Terrence Jones, 6-foot-9, 252 pounds, Kentucky, 20
Strengths • Can play either forward position, can rebound and can score. Is a good ballhandler in traffic, and knows how to win.
History • Jones is a two-year starter for John Calipari, and was one of the best freshmen in the country during his rookie season.