In mock draft, Beasley is real deal

In a salute to the NCAA tournament, here's our annual mock draft.

OK, it's just mine, but thanks to the six NBA people who helped me, along with local gurus Don MacLean and Frank Burlison.

As usual, heights are the listed ones so take an inch to an inch and a half off everyone.

1. Michael Beasley, 6-10, 235, Fr., Kansas State -- Kevin Durant, thought to be a once-a-generation prospect, may or may not have more upside, but Beasley has more game.

2. Derrick Rose, 6-3, 205, Fr., Memphis -- Pass-first point guard with a 40-inch vertical leap.

3. Brook Lopez, 7-0, 260, So., Stanford -- Good low-post game and skill level to expand it.

4. O.J. Mayo, 6-5, 200, Fr., USC -- Dropped into teens when he didn't turn out to be LeBron James II, but if shooting (41% from three-point range) improves, can still be a star. He is personable, defended, found open teammates and played within the offense. Best part is dedication, compared by one scout to Kobe Bryant's.

5. Eric Gordon, 6-4, 215, Fr., Indiana -- Has big upside even if he looked wild in the Hoosiers' turbulent season. Made only 32% of three-point attempts in Big Ten.

6. Danilo Gallinari, 6-9, 210, Armani Milan, Italy -- Guard who grew into a skilled power forward.

7. Jerryd Bayless, 6-3, 199, Fr., Arizona -- Great scorer but not a great point guard. Wildcats' late-season rally came after moving him to shooting guard.

8. Anthony Randolph, 6-10, 220, Fr., Louisiana State -- Fast riser with size and athleticism.

9. D.J. Augustin, 6-0, 180, So., Texas -- A smurf, but a dominating one.

10. Kevin Love, 6-10, 271, Fr., UCLA -- Larry Bird as a sumo wrestler. In teens on most lists, pros think he's 6-8 and may not even start but say, "He'll find a way." Call me crazy but with all due respect to the great Wes Unseld, Love is already the best outlet passer ever. Learning curve is more like an arrow pointing up. Will have to face basket but developing three-point range fast (17 for 51 in his first 31 games, 10 for 23 in last five).

11. DeAndre Jordan, 7-0, 260, Fr., Texas A&M -- Dropped from top five and if he's even this high, it's just on size and athleticism. One scout says he may be "Kwame-esque."

12. Chase Budinger, 6-7, 203, So., Arizona -- Projected as a lottery pick before his freshman season, recently voted Pac-10's most overrated player. Minus expectations, he's an athletic complementary player who makes 38% of threes and can be Mike Miller if he becomes a knock-down shooter.