Rankings Update: 2028 Centers

Rankings coverage continues with a look at the Centers from the Class of 2028.   In all, 15 Centers appeared in our rankings update, including the top ranked center, [player_tooltip player_id='2470876' first='Salim' last='Diaby'] out of the Tilton School, who checks in at #16 overall. An imposing presence in the paint with his athleticism and length, he's a strong finisher around the rim on one end and an elite rim protector on the other.    Below are five Centers of note from our rankings update.    Malcore, a big man out of the Kents Hill School in Maine, checks in at #4 among the centers and #31 overall. At 6'9", Malcore is one of the bigger prospect in Class B of the NEPSAC, and combines his size with plus athleticism and a high level of skill to be one of this winter's standout performers so far. He moves really well for his size, has the ability to score with touch out to the three point line, and does a nice job of using his length and atheticism as a finisher around the rim. On top of all that, he's a young big that doesn't shy away from contact, particularly when it comes to making an impact on the glass.     Lawrence, a big man out of Bridgeport Prep in Connecticut, checks in at #6 among the centers and #42 overall. Lawrence is still somewhat raw, but has physical traits that are rare. He's a long 6'10" that moves well in space and shows some developing athletic pop. He's done a nice job of improving his ability to play through contact in the paint, particularly as a finisher around the rim. Defensively, his size and length are an asset as a rebounder, but even more so in allowing him to alter shots around the rim.     Rye, a big man out of Worcester Academy in Massachusetts, checks in at #7 among the centers and #43 overall. Rye is one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in this class as he combines good positional size with plus mobility and the ability to score the basketball at all three levels. He does a nice job of knocking down shots in catch and shoot situations and, as an explosive finisher around the rim, provides a threat to hard roll or pop out of ball screens. On the other end of the floor, he profiles as a switchable defender that can guard in space while also operating as a rim protector in the paint.     Figueroa, a big man out of the Brooks School in Massachusetts, checks in at #9 among the centers and #56 overall. Figueroa is another prospect that intrigues with his long-term potential, as the 6'8" big man plays with a nice combination of physicality and feel for the game. He's still got a long way to go in his development, but already does a nice job of playing with physicality in the paint on both ends of the floor. He's another prospect that has plus length and the ability to move well in space, which allows him to play a variety of defensive coverages against ball screens. He's definitely a prospect to track over the next two years.     Dowling, a big man out of Pentucket Regional High School in Massachusetts, checks in at #13 among the centers and #91 overall. Dowling, a high evel performer on the football field, has continued to impress with his abilities on the defensive end of the floor. With long arms and quickness off the floor, he does a good job of protecting the rim, both as an on-ball defender and when coming from the help side. Offensively, he utilizes a high motor to run the floor hard in transition and also shows a big of breakdown ability off the bounce against slower-footed defenders in space.    Keep an eye out tomorrow as we wrap up rankings week coverage for the Class of 2028 with a look at some prospects from the Watch List.

Rankings coverage continues with a look at the Centers from the Class of 2028.