2013 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Projections, Outlook, and Predictions

As the 2013 NBA Draft continues to draw nearer, it is clear that there are a few front runners, but as of now the number one pick of the draft looks to be a toss-up.

The following is a projection of the possible top ten in this year's draft:

One - Nerlens Noel's recent surgery could be a big factor in his draft pick position, however the standout freshman from Kentucky has everything it takes to be a number one draft. The 6'11" center was averaging 10.5 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game to go along with his outstanding 4.4 blocks a game. Those numbers alone would be enough for an NBA team to take a chance on, but the fact that he is still young and can recover quickly from his injury add to his potential. Look for him to go number one if a team on the down and out gets the first pick in the lottery, but if the top pick goes to a strong team, he could fall as low as five in the order.

Two - Marcus Smart is a big time player with a lot of freshman attributes that NBA teams will look to dissolve quickly. Right now, the big point guard is averaging 15.1 ppg along with 4.3 assists per game. He will need to get his ball distributing skills tuned in order to make it as an NBA point guard, but at the moment, he is still the number one prospect for the point guard position. While he is shooting 41% from the field at the moment, the 6'4" point guard can be fine tuned to make a big difference in the paint which will help to increase that percentage into the high 50's. Look for Smart to go in the top five no matter what.

Three - Ben McLemore is a force to be reckoned with at the moment. His 16.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg has definitely caught the attention of the scouts who have since moved him into a top five pick position, even surpassing Noel in some mock drafts. His versatility has been understated due to his off and on tendencies, but if he has a big performance in the NCAA tournament, McLemore could see the big dollars as a pro in the NBA. McLemore will need to work on his ability to find the open shot rather than relying on heavy screens and pick-and-rolls to do the job.

Four - Cody Zeller is on fire and the scouts have noticed. Despite the fact that he is in no way a number one pick at the moment, Zeller is definitely top five material. With a Big Ten titled under his belt, Zeller has some momentum going into the NCAA tournament. He is averaging 16.8 ppg to go with his 8.1 rpg and 57 percent from the field. The big 6'11" sophomore has been calling for the ball lately; the kind of confidence NBA scouts are looking for in a young player. With his 25-point, 10-rebound performance against Michigan, Zeller has a firm grip on the reality his team needs him to play big for them to have a chance in the NCAA tournament.

Five - Trey Burke has been plagued by losses coming down the stretch and that has affected his overall rating. The Feb. 27 loss to Penn State and the big loss against Indiana were both big games that, despite his 18 and 20 point performances, just came at a bad time for draft prospects. Had Michigan and Burke won those two games, Burke's stock would be a bit higher, but at the same he time, his overall projection hasn't fallen much. If anything, a big performance in the Big Ten Tournament to go with a good run in the NCAA tournament might show the scouts what they've been looking for, which is why Burke gets the final spot in the top five.

Six - Victor Oladipo's foul trouble lately along with his spotty offense has plagued him among the scouts. While they continue to admire his prowess on the court, his overly aggressive defense will create issues early the game in the NBA. While some scouts truly see him as an early draft pick, many seem to see him as a late pick. However, with the Big Ten regular season title going to Indiana and a potential number one seed in the NCAA tournament coming, look for Oladipo's big plays late in the game to garner him a top ten pick in the draft.

Seven - Shabazz Muhammad continues to show the scouts what they want to see, including an outstanding 41 percent average from behind the arc. With 18.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg, Muhammad is show he has what it takes to play at the highest level. A good showing in March and April may be what he needs to propel him into the top five, but for now, seventh is the highest he sits in most rankings.

Eight - Alex Len's rebounding continues to be at the highest level, pulling in 8.1 boards per game, but his lack of strong, consistent guard play continues to set him back. Scouts will be looking to see whether or not Len enters the draft now that his play has weakened a bit down the stretch, but if he has a strong showing the ACC tournament, it could be enough to convince him that he is draft ready. That being said, if he enters the draft, he is a lock for the top ten due to his height advantage, 7'1" and his size, 225 lbs.

Nine - Gary Harris is a freshman that will make an immediate difference if he enters the draft. He could goes as high as sixth if he decides that he is draft ready, however, look for Coach Izzo to try and persuade him to stay another year due to a nagging shoulder injury and slight signs that he is not quite ready to play at the next level , including his indecisiveness about the draft.

Ten - Alex Poythress is another freshman who has a great chance at the top ten in this year's draft. His 11.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg aren't anything to how the scouts, however, his consistency from the field has been slightly attractive. Averaging 58 percent from the field is a good statistic, however, when paired with his massive swings and apparent lack of drive down the stretch has scouts wondering if he is ready for the draft. With just a 7 ppg average over the last three games, Poythress is going to have to find a way to impress the scouts if he hopes to make the top ten in this year's draft.