Texas Rankings Update: Top 5 Centers in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The center position in the Texas 2026 class features a mix of <strong>true rim protectors, stretch bigs, and high-upside athletes</strong> who bring size, touch, and defensive presence to the floor. These prospects are still developing, but their <strong>positional tools, impact on both ends, and long-term projection</strong> make them intriguing targets moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2431506"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67dcd511cf48b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elkins is a high-upside center with great positional size, soft hands, and touch around the rim. He anchors the paint defensively and is effective at altering shots with his length and timing. Offensively, he finishes well out of the dunker spot and in PnR situations. As he continues to improve his mobility and develop a reliable face-up game, his stock will rise considerably.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Interior Defense &amp; Shot Altering<br>✅ Finishing Around the Rim<br>✅ Size &amp; Rebounding Presence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2343838"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67dcd511cf527"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucas is a skilled big with natural feel who can score with either hand around the rim and step out for mid-range jumpers. He moves well for his size, which allows him to defend ball screens and cover space. His high IQ and touch on both ends make him a valuable modern-day big. As his physicality and strength develop, he could become a matchup nightmare.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Soft Touch &amp; Footwork<br>✅ Mobility &amp; Defensive Versatility<br>✅ Mid-Post Scoring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2231892"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67dcd511cf59a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seale is a floor-spacing big who brings a unique skill set to the center position. At 6'11”, he shoots it with confidence from beyond the arc and has a reliable jumper. He also shows promise defensively, using length and positioning rather than raw shot-blocking. As his motor and strength continue to develop, his shooting and size combination will make him a serious mismatch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Shooting Ability at 6'11”<br>✅ Stretch Big Potential<br>✅ Positional Size &amp; Floor Spacing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2333772"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67dcd511cf606"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ogoemeka is a true 7-footer with major physical upside. He protects the rim naturally due to his length and verticality, and he's an immediate presence in the paint defensively. Still raw offensively, but shows flashes of soft touch and finishing ability. If he continues to improve his coordination and mobility, Ogoemeka has long-term potential to be one of the most dominant bigs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Elite Size &amp; Rim Protection<br>✅ Interior Presence<br>✅ High Ceiling Developmentally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2715817"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67dcd511cf671"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Diouf is a strong, physical big who plays with effort and intensity. He excels as a rebounder and interior enforcer, using his frame to hold position and finish through contact. While his offensive game is still growing, his toughness and motor are already valuable assets. Diouf brings anchor-like presence defensively and contributes through hustle, effort, and second-chance points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Rebounding &amp; Physical Play<br>✅ Paint Defense<br>✅ Interior Finishing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->