NBA Mock Draft 2013: Big Ten Outlook, Prospects and Projections

The NBA Draft isn't until June 27, 2013, but the hype has been building since the 2012-2013 college basketball season started.

A lot has been said about the prowess of the Big Ten, and for good reason.

Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo of Indiana, Gary Harris of Michigan State, and Trey Burke and Glenn Robinson III of Michigan round out a class of athletes from the Big Ten that stand to make an instant impact as they enter the draft this year.

Zeller has been averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 57 percent from the field and adding an average of 8.1 rebounds per game, making him a strong candidate for any team. His 6'11" frame makes him an ideal addition to line-ups given his fast feet and excellent ball handling skills. While a lot has been discussed as to whether the sophomore can transition to the NBA or not, a National Championship could silence the critiques enough to earn him a top five pick.

In the meantime, teammate Victor Oladipo has been somewhat out shadowed by Zeller, despite his 13.7 ppg and 6.2 rpg stats this year. Foul trouble and some spotty performances have led scouts to question his play-making ability, but again, as with Zeller, a National Championship could be the thing that sways scouts. On that same note, an early exit from the Big Dance could be costly as well.

Look to Zeller and Oladipo to go hard in March and April to help solidify their claims to a first-round draft pick.

Gary Harris is one of two freshman from the Big Ten that has a good chance to go in the first round, if he decides to enter the draft. Sources close to Harris have indicated that he is considering a sophomore year with the Spartans in an attempt to further rehabilitate a shoulder injury that has undoubtedly kept the freshman shooting guard from reaching his full potential in the NCAA.

In-state rival, the University of Michigan, is preparing for the NCAA tournament, but Trey Burke's mind has to be set on the NBA draft. With multiple sources predicting Burke as a top 15 pick, the stellar play of the sophomore point guard has given Michigan the edge over several teams that might have taken the W away from them without his 19.2 ppg average. In addition to his scoring, Burke is also averaging 6.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, despite standing at just 6-foot. What he has shown scouts this year is that despite his frame, Burke can rise up above the rest simply on desire and passion alone, but especially because of his strength and athleticism. While Marcus Smart remains the top point guard prospect in the draft, don't be surprised to see Burke go in the top 15 if not top ten in this year's draft.

Finally, Glenn Robinson III is the other freshman that the Big Ten may see enter the draft in a potential first-round pick situation. The 6'6" freshman small forward has been struggling a bit to breakout, but his 10.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg have been enough to garner some attention. It has been clear throughout the season that Robinson is still an emerging presence on the court, but a big performance under pressure in March and April could see that presence become larger than life. A chance for a little more experience and coaching may keep Robinson III from the draft this year, but if he enters, expect him to be a late first-round or early second-round pick based on his potential to be molded by whatever team selects him.