Los Angeles ? In our annual salute to the NCAA Tournament, here’s a mock draft of all potentially eligible players.
Kyrie Irving, 6-2, 185, Fr., Duke — The one great pick in draft. Admirers see the next Chris Paul (no, really), taller and a better shooter at same stage. … In game’s worst-kept secret, he’s coming out.
Harrison Barnes, 6-8, 210, Fr., North Carolina — Do-everything big small forward, generally rated around No. 4 but is breaking out.
Enes Kanter, 6-11, 260, Fr., Kentucky — Turkish youth star, attended Simi Valley (Calif.) Stoneridge Prep, tore up top U.S. preps at 2010 Hoop Summit. … Ruled ineligible, he’ll be UK’s first none-and-done after all their one-and-dones.
Jared Sullinger, 6-9, 280, Fr., Ohio State — Ton of fun, more like 6-7 but admirers see Kevin Love’s hands and otherworldly basketball sense, down to the half-the-length-of-floor outlet passes.
Derrick Williams, 6-8, 241, So., Arizona — Long-armed, ambidextrous around hoop, averaged 19-8, shot 61 percent, and 61 percent on threes. Supposedly a lock for top five.
Perry Jones, 6-11, 235, Fr., Baylor — Big, athletic but numbers were merely respectable (13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds). Ranked No. 2 by ESPN’s Chad Ford but skeptics see Tim Thomas.
Jonas Valanciunas, 6-11, 240, Lietuvos Rytas, Lithuania — Just turned 18. Back-to-the-basket player, unlike most Euro-bigs.
Terrence Jones, 6-8, 244, Fr., Kentucky — Lefty, Lamar Odom type.
Alec Burks, 6-6, 200, So., Colorado — Athletic shooting guard with playmaking ability.
John Henson, 6-10, 220, So., North Carolina — Averaged 8.5 rebounds in first 14 games, 12.6 since.
Kemba Walker, 6-0, 180, Jr., Connecticut — Shot just 43 percent, 34 percent on threes but got to line 7.6 times a game.
Jan Vesely, 6-11, 240, KK Partizan Belgrade, Serbia — Pau Gasol’s long limbs but not his touch.
Kawhi Leonard, 6-7, 225, So., San Diego State — Tough small forward, averages almost 11 rebounds. Shooting range expanding.
Tristan Thompson, 6-8, 225, Fr., Texas — Long-armed lefty averaging 2.3 blocks a game.
Donatas Motiejunas, 7-0, 225, Benetton Treviso, Italy — Lithuanian has length and touch, has gained weight, needs more.
Brandon Knight, 6-3, 185, Fr., Kentucky — Could be eighth Wildcat to go in top 20 the last two years.
Jimmer Fredette, 6-2, 195, Sr., Brigham Young — Limited by chunky bod but sensational shooter who can get his shot.
JaJuan Johnson, 6-10, 220, Sr., Purdue — Willowy as he is, averages 20.4, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks.
Jordan Hamilton, 6-7, 220, So., Texas — Athletic shooter with game. Shed freshman rep as a pain.
Marcus Morris, 6-9, 235, Jr., Kansas — Averages 17.3, shoots 59 percent, 36 percent on threes.
Mason Plumlee, 6-10, 230, So., Duke -Role player, averaging 5.2 shot attempts, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks.
Tobias Harris, 6-8, 225, Fr., Tennessee — Freakish athlete with expanding range.
Trey Thompkins, 6-10, 245, Jr., Georgia — Not explosive but has game, finally in shape.
Lucas Nogueira, 7-0, 225, Asefa Estudiantes, Spain — Billed as “Brazilian Marcus Camby” since getting 22-14 vs. U.S. in 2010 under-18 tourney.
Demetri McCamey, 6-3, 205, Sr., Illinois — Another chunky Illini point, if not in Deron Williams’ class. Takes it to hoop, shot 46 percent on threes.
Nolan Smith, 6-2, 185, Sr., Duke — Makeshift point guard but he’s a blur who’s made 35 percent of threes.
Kyle Singler, 6-8, 230, Sr., Duke — A teens pick last spring. Dropped from 40 percent to 32 percent on threes but tough and a winner.
Thomas Robinson, Kansas, 6-9, 237, So., Kansas — Raw but exciting athlete.
Kenneth Faried, 6-8, 225, Sr., Morehead State — Less-refined freak athlete, a.k.a. “6-8 Dwight Howard.”
Tyler Zeller, 7-0, 250, Jr., North Carolina — Filling out, coming on.
