Undrafted College Seniors That Could Make the NBA

The NBA Draft is only two rounds long, so it's difficult for college basketball players to crack the top 60 eligible draftees into the league in a given year.

It's especially challenging for graduating seniors, who not only compete with younger collegians but also foreign prospects from around the world. General managers tend to overlook the players they've watched over the past four seasons in college because they're looking for a hidden gem from Europe or South America. Only four seniors were picked in the first round during this year's NBA Draft.

Here's a list of players that with hard work and a little luck should have a strong chance of cracking an NBA roster soon.

Kevin Jones, West Virginia

Jones averaged 19.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks last season on 50.9 percent shooting from the field and 78.0 percent shooting from the free-throw line, while also making a three-pointer per game, so he could fit with a team that needs offensive help.

William Buford, Ohio State

Buford averaged double figures every season at Ohio State, he is a good shooter and he can fit into a team that has other talented scorers; however, he was overlooked by scouts because of his inability to take over games.

Scott Machado, Iona

Machado led the country with 9.9 assists per game last season while also reaching career highs in points, rebounds, steals, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage. He has a great chance to dazzle in Summer League.

Drew Gordon, New Mexico

Gordon ranked fourth in the country with 11.1 rebounds per game last season. He is very athletic so he should have a strong chance to make the NBA next season.

John Shurna, Northwestern

Shurna improved every season in Northwestern. He led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 20.0 points per game and three-pointers made as a senior and he also averaged 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals.

Other undrafted college seniors are Tu Holloway, Jordan Taylor, Henry Sims, Reggie Hamilton, Ricardo Ratliffe. These players were not drafted but that doesn't mean they won't make the NBA, they can get a contract because they're cheap alternatives to aging veterans with diminishing production. At least one or two of these players will be in the NBA next season and all of them will probably continue to work hard in the D-League, Europe or South America.