2026 Rankings Update – The Centers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last up in our positional rankings series for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2026</em> are the <em>Centers</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the modern game has seemed to minimize the role of the traditional <em>Center</em>; the position has claimed the last four NBA MVP Awards. In New England, there's some serious star power at the top of the <em>Center</em> rankings, with some high level sleepers in the mix too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, we'll take a look at three of the top ranked&nbsp;<em>Centers</em>&nbsp;in the class, as well as three more that we'll be keeping our eyes on this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77243","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"77239","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6699d1bcb7783"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE TOP 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2341292' first='Collins' last='Chidera Onyejiaka'] holds down the <strong><em>#1</em></strong> spot in these rankings. A powerful inside presence, Onyejiaka has improved as much as any prospect in New England over the last 12 months, making him a national stock riser. He's a force around the rim on both ends of the floor; trying to dunk everything that he gets his hands on and blocking or altering shots at a high rate. He's a definite high major prospect that should only continue to see his stock rise in the coming months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Checking in at <strong><em>#2</em></strong> is [player_tooltip player_id='2341272' first='Ben' last='Ahmed']. One of the nation's top rebounders, Ahmed is a space carving big that does a terrific job of scoring in the low post. He has great hands, has a natural feel for the game, and has an array of post moves with the ability to score over either shoulder. He makes his mark as a rebounder on both ends of the floor showing a nose for the basketball, a high motor, and an understanding of angles. Another high major recruit, it'll be fun to see what schools jump into the mix in the next few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking <strong><em>#3</em></strong> is [player_tooltip player_id='2341300' first='Johnny' last='Akot Bol']. At 7' with great length, Akot stands out on the defensive end of the floor as a high level shot blocker. He has the ability to be a disruptive defender, particularly in ball screens as he moves his feet well. He's become a strong rim finisher that has a huge catch radius and is a strong rim runner in transition. His development over the next year will be interesting to track as his combination of size, athleticism, and feel gives him a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2341402' first='William' last='Carty'] clocks in at <strong><em>#5</em></strong> in these rankings. One of the better low post scorers in the class, Carty is a handful to defend around the rim. He has great footwork, soft touch over either shoulder, and a budding perimeter game with the ability to knock down shots from behind the arc. He already can operate as an offensive initiator from the top of the key and show a real understanding of how to play on that end of the floor. He's another prospect to track over the next year and could play his way into scholarship consideration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Appearing on the <em>Watch List</em> is [player_tooltip player_id='1595667' first='Will' last='Higgs']. A newcomer to the region, who will certainly appear in the rankings in our next update, Higgs is a high level athlete at the center position. He runs the floor well, finishes with authority around the rim, and has the potential to develop into a floor spacer down the road. His lateral mobility, explosiveness, and high IQ make him a terrific team defender. He already has significant scholarship attention and could play himself to another level over the coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also making his way onto the <em>Watch List</em> is [player_tooltip player_id='1578530' first='Jacob' last='Purington']. A traditional big man, Purington has really developed his game this spring and summer. He's a capable low post scorer, does a nice job of passing out of the post, and is great as a roller in screen and roll situations. He's a strong rebounder and a vocal anchor on the defensive end of the floor. How he continues to develop over the next year will dictate what level he ends up at.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*<em>Our rankings update occured prior to [player_tooltip player_id='2341300' first='Johnny' last='Akot Bol']'s announcement that we will be reclassifying into the class of 2027; that change will be reflected in our next rankings update.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->