Mark Heisler’s annual NBA mock draft

In our annual salute to the NCAA tournament, here’s a mock draft of all potentially eligible players.

Heights are as officially listed, meaning everyone is 1-2 inches shorter.

Comparisons to NBA players are made advisedly, with every 6-6 prep wing player like Kobe Bryant billed as “Grant Hill with a jump shot.”

Of course, Kobe turned out to be Grant Hill with more than a jump shot.

To quote the great draftnik, Chuck Berry, “‘C’est la vie,’ say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell.”

1. 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.

2. Harrison Barnes, 6-8, 210, Fr., North Carolina — Do-everything big small forward, generally rated around No. 4 but is breaking out. Rated top freshman in class, he was lost until midseason when they put the ball in his hands.

3. Enes Kanter, 6-11, 260, Fr., Kentucky — Turkish youth star, attended Simi Valley 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.

4. 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. . . . Not as good a shooter as Love at this stage but has more bounce.

5. Derrick Williams, 6-8, 241, So., Arizona — Released from oral commitment to USC out of La Mirada, no offer from UCLA. . . . Long-armed, ambidextrous around hoop, averaged 19-8, shot 61%, and 61% on threes. Supposedly a lock for top five.

6. 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.

7. Jonas Valanciunas, 6-11, 240, Lietuvos Rytas, Lithuania — Just turned 18. Back-to-the-basket player, unlike most Euro-bigs.

8. Terrence Jones, 6-8, 244, Fr., Kentucky — Lefty, Lamar Odom type. Rated No. 2 in mocks early when it looked like he could shoot (37% on threes until mid-January, six for 28 since.)

9. Alec Burks, 6-6, 200, So., Colorado — Athletic shooting guard with playmaking ability.

10. John Henson, 6-10, 220, So., North Carolina — Answering questions about slender physique, averaged 8.5 rebounds in first 14 games, 12.6 since.

11. Kemba Walker, 6-0, 180, Jr., Connecticut — Shot just 43%, 34% on threes but got to line 7.6 times a game. . . . Averaged 26 to lead Huskies to Big East tourney title before half the NBA’s GMs.

12. Jan Vesely, 6-11, 240, KK Partizan Belgrade, Serbia — Pau Gasol’s long limbs but not his touch.

13. Kawhi Leonard, 6-7, 225, So., San Diego State — Tough small forward, averages almost 11 rebounds. Shooting range expanding; made nine of 24 three-point shots in last 10 games.

14. Tristan Thompson, 6-8, 225, Fr., Texas — Long-armed lefty averaging 2.3 blocks a game.

15. Donatas Motiejunas, 7-0, 225, Benetton Treviso, Italy — Lithuanian has length and touch, has gained weight, needs more.

16. Brandon Knight, 6-3, 185, Fr., Kentucky — Could be eighth Wildcat to go in top 20 the last two years. Wasn’t the next John Wall, as billed, but long, athletic, shot 39% on threes and he’s an honor student.

17. Jimmer Fredette, 6-2, 195, Sr., Brigham Young — Limited by chunky bod but sensational shooter who can get his shot.

18. JaJuan Johnson, 6-10, 220, Sr., Purdue — Willowy as he is, averages 20.4, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks.

19. Jordan Hamilton, 6-7, 220, So., Texas — Athletic shooter with game. Shed freshman rep as a pain.

20. Marcus Morris, 6-9, 235, Jr., Kansas — Averages 17.3, shoots 59%, 36% on threes, but closer to 6-7.

21. Mason Plumlee, 6-10, 230, So., Duke — Long, athletic. Role player, averaging 5.2 shot attempts, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks.

22. Tobias Harris, 6-8, 225, Fr., Tennessee — Freakish athlete with expanding range.

23. Trey Thompkins, 6-10, 245, Jr., Georgia — Not explosive but has game, finally in shape.

24. 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.

25. Demetri McCamey, 6-3, 205, Sr., Illinois — Another chunky Illini point, if not in Deron Williams’ class. Takes it to hoop, shot 46% on threes.

26. Nolan Smith, 6-2, 185, Sr., Duke — Makeshift point guard but he’s a blur who’s made 35% of threes.

27. Kyle Singler, 6-8, 230, Sr., Duke — A teens pick last spring. Dropped from 40% to 32% on threes but tough and a winner.

28. Thomas Robinson, Kansas, 6-9, 237, So., Kansas — Raw but exciting athlete.

29. Kenneth Faried, 6-8, 225, Sr., Morehead State — Less refined freak athlete, a.k.a. “6-8 Dwight Howard.”

30. Tyler Zeller, 7-0, 250, Jr., North Carolina — Filling out, coming on.

Right there: Justin Harper, 6-10, 225, Sr., Richmond; Tyler Honeycutt, 6-8, 188, So., UCLA; Reggie Jackson, 6-3, 208, Jr., Boston College; Travis Leslie, 6-4, 205, Jr., Georgia; Markieff Morris, 6-10, 245, Jr., Kansas; Josh Selby, 6-2, 180, Fr., Kansas; Chris Singleton, 6-9, 225, Jr., Florida State; Jeremy Tyler, 6-11, 240, Tokyo Apache, Japan.

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