Meyers Leonard declared for the 2012 NBA Draft after two seasons at Illinois. Now the 7-foot center is projected to go in the first round, possibly in the lottery. A new mock draft by Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports has Leonard cracking the top 10, with Detroit Pistons projected to selected Leonard at No. 9.
Related: 2012 NBA Draft Rumors: Meyers Leonard 'Closer To 9-14' Range, Says ESPN's Chad Ford
Leonard is considered a raw player with tons of upside due to his bountiful athleticism. As a sophomre, Leonard averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He probably could have been even better if the Illini had anyone to get him the ball.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball, head over to Hail to the Orange. And for more from around the world of college hoops, check out SB Nation's NCAA basketball news hub. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.