2027 Rankings Update: The Centers

Today, our positional breakdown for the Class of 2027 continues with a look at some of the most impactful Centers in New England.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470853' first='Kamsi' last='Awaka'] checks in as the top ranked center and the #3 overall prospect in New England, he's a bruising forward with a rapidly developing skill set. [player_tooltip player_id='2470882' first='Theo' last='Edema'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2341300' first='Johnny' last='Akot Bol'] hold the next two spots in these positional rankings and are the #6 and #9 ranked prospects in New England. Edema is a massive presence in the middle that has continued to get better week by week, while Akot Bol is one of the best rim protectors in the region, has great positional length, and can really get up and down the floor in transition.   The Center position is as strong as any in New England with the three afformentioned prospects, as well as another seven ranked in or just outside of the Top 50.    Take a look at five Centers to watch from the Class of 2027:    Booth, who heads to Milton Academy as a reclassed sophomore after two strong seasons at Scarborough, continued to turns heads this summer with his play for the Middlesex Magic. Looking noticably stronger this summer, Booth appears to have continued to improve not only his strength, but also his conditioning, which has also led to increased athleticism. He does a fantastic job of running the floor in transition, is a quality finisher in the paint, and can even step out behind the three and knock down shots. He continues to add elements to his offensive game and could eventually develop into a playmaking, stretch forward. Defensively, he's not afraid to be vocal, knows how to utilize space in ball screen defense, and supplies a good amount of rim protection. Already a scholarship prospect, he has a high ceiling and the chance to catch the eyes of many more college coaches this winter at Milton.     Diaby, still relatively new to basketball in America, had multiple impressive showings this summer at camps and showcases up and down the east coast. A traditional big man with good length and impressive athleticism, Diaby shines right now as a rim runner, strong roller out of ball screens, and finisher out of the dunker spot. He appears to be improving week by week as a finisher and shows good hands, a big catch radius, and terrific burst around the rim. Like all young big men, he'll need to add strength, but looks like a prospect that should be able to do that without sacrificing any of his athleticism. Right now, his defense is a bit ahead of his offense, which ism't a bad thing given that he might be the top underclass rim protector in New England. He combines terrific length, great timing, and high level athleticism to alter and block shot after shot around the rim. He has the physical tools to be a high level recruit and has improved at such a quick rate that it isn't unreasonable to believe he'll be a high major prospect down the line.     Seltzer, who returns to Williston Northampton for a second season, appears to have improved all aspects of his game this summer. The NY Rens big man is a quality floor spacer with an impressive looking shooting stroke and the ability to drag opposing big men out of the paint. Seltzer is a prospect that shows a good understanding of how to score from the low block, utilizing great footwork and soft touch around the rim as a finisher. Defensively, he has terrific positional length and the ability to impact the game as a rim protector. He does a good job of controlling the defensive glass and should only improve in that area as he add strength. Long term, Seltzer is an intriguing prospec that already holds one Division I offer and could garner more interest this winter with his ability to impact the game in so many different ways.     Uzgiris, a product of the PSA Cardinals, might be the biggest prospect in New England's class of 2027. A true center, Uzgiris has next level size and has proven that he knows how to utilize his frame to the best of his advantage. He does a good job as a screener and roller, has good hands, and knows how to score over either shoulder with touch. On top of that, he's proven to be a willing ball mover when the double comes in the post and has even show signs of the ability to hit the occasional standstill three. Defensively, with his size and motor, he controls the glass and provides a steady presence in the paint to protect the rim. He's not afraid of contact, does a good job of walling off drives, and knows how to block shots without fouling. He should only continue to get better over the coming years and is a definite prospect to watch moving forward for scholarship level programs.     Rogers, who heads to Beaver Country Day after a year at BC High, has turned heads in recent weeks with his play in fall leagues and at showcases. A member of Team Spartans, Rogers is already a next level athlete that utilizies his explosiveness and length to make an impact on the game on both ends of the floor. While he probably profiles down the road as a stretch forward, right now dominates games with his ability to make plays around the rim. He's capable of putting the ball on the floor for multiple bounces, finishes through contact in the paint, and can turn heads with highlight reel plays in an instant. Defensively, he's great moving laterally, allowing him to guard on the perimeter and make plays in passing lanes that lead to easy run outs. On top of that, he does a good job on the defensive glass and is an impressive shot blocker from the help position. He's one of the more physically gifted prospects in this class and should be on the radar of scholarship level programs soon as he transitions to the NEPSAC.

Today, our positional breakdown for the Class of 2027 continues with a look at some of the most impactful Centers in New England.