2015 NBA Draft: Who are the Mid-Major Names to Watch?

The 2014 NBA Draft has come and gone and was relatively quiet for mid-major fans beyond Elfrid Payton and Cleanthony Early. As we move past 2014 and look ahead to 2015, who are some mid-major stars who could see their name called this time next year?

Shawn Long, Louisiana: Elfrid Payton's old running-mate is making his own noise this summer at the Nike Skills Camp and many think he can be a first round pick next year. Long will be a junior next season and 6'9 forward averaged 18.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks for the Ragin' Cajuns last season.

Treveon Graham, VCU: Graham is, probably, the nation's most steady player.  It seems like every game he posts 15 points and 7 rebounds.  Graham is likely a second rounder a year from now and will actually spend this weekend at Kevin Durant's camp which is reserved for twelve of the nation's elite wings.

Eric Ferguson, Georgia Southern: Ferguson sat out the 2013-14 season due to injury but many scouts still see the 6'8 forward as a potential second rounder in next year's NBA Draft.  The exciting thing is we'll get to see Ferguson match up with Shawn Long this year with Georgia Southern moving to the Sun Belt. He averaged 13.5 points and 6.2 rebounds two years ago for the Eagles.

R.J. Hunter, Georgia State: Hunter has two years left of eligibility left but almost left after this past season for the NBA.  He can be late first or second round pick and if Georgia State has a big year with Ryan Harrow and Kevin Ware this year then expect Hunter to head to the league.  Last year he averaged 18.3 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Panthers.

Briante Weber, VCU: All it takes is one team to fall in love with you and I think that might happen with Briante Weber in the second round next year.  Sure Weber is limited in terms of size and scoring ability but he's the nation's most tenacious on the ball defender. He's smaller but he could carve out a nice career along the likes of Royal Ivey.

Alan Williams, UC Santa Barbara: This guy is a machine and there has to be place in the draft for him.  Last year the 6'8 big man averaged 21.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game for the Gauchos.  He's Ken Pomeroy's poster-child and has already scored over 1,200 points in his career.

Fred Van Vleet, Wichita State: Who knows when Van Vleet leaves Wichita State, but when he does he'll hear his name called at the NBA Draft. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 assists for Gregg Marshall this past year and NBA teams are always looking for quality point guards.

Tyler Haws, BYU: Tyler Haws is a scoring machine who will get some looks in the NBA. He averaged over 23 points per game for the Cougars this past year and could hear his name called in the second round a year from now.