Underrated Box State Centers Dominating the Interior

Arguably, the most crucial position in basketball is the center. Rebounding the ball and providing your team with second-chance points is invaluable to any roster. Centers who can back down opponents with ease and see the floor are the new leaders of today's changing game. There are several dominant centers that I believe are slept on. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='2889246' first='Javier' last='Hernandez'] is a lengthy superstar who utilizes his 6'6 frame to swivel and maneuver past defenders to score at will. Averaging 11.1 PPG this year with a successful January and start to 2026, Hernandez's ceiling is through the roof. Currently ranked 108th in his class, I easily see Hernandez's name getting put on the map. Hernandez hustles for rebounds and loose balls, with his head on a swivel, seeking out the next play in advance. Look out for the junior to continue taking over the box state.     [player_tooltip player_id='2394757' first='Caleb' last='Dunn']'s improvement has been monumental for the Broomfield Eagles this season, tripling his scoring numbers as well as his defensive energy. Dunn brings in plenty of boards while controlling the tempo in transition. Spacing the floor efficiently and moving around the paint, Dunn sparks opportunities for himself and his teammates to feast on game day. Currently ranked as the #8 C and #179 in his class, it won't take much longer for Dunn to get into a hot groove in February.     [player_tooltip player_id='2779133' first='Torian' last='Carr'] went on an absolute terror in January, showing off his shot-creating poise and relentlessness attacking the rim. Carr winds up at the foul stripe frequently due to absorbing contact and forcing opposing defenders to foul. Quick off the triple threat, there aren't many guys who can keep up with the level of intensity Carr brings to the game. The 6'5 junior has shown up in numerous ways, and it'll be exciting to see him continue to improve.     [player_tooltip player_id='2409196' first='Brody' last='Burke'] muscles his way through the paint while sending shots off the backboard on the other end of the floor. Although Burke is ranked #4 among C/PFs in his class, his overall ranking of 122 is an understatement. Burke thrives in communicating with his teammates and constantly crashing the boards, especially considering he's almost averaging a double-double over the course of this season.     Braeden Bakar has been a crucial piece of the puzzle as of late for the Raiders, tacking on multiple double-digit scoring outings this past month on limited minutes. The 6'6 big man is ranked #57 in his class while being the best C/PF in his class. I easily expect Baker to turn up the temperature as the postseason comes nearer and nearer. Getting to the free thow line often and bodying defenders down low, it's easy to see why Baker is such a legitimate threat.

Arguably, the most crucial position in basketball is the center. Rebounding the ball and providing your team with second-chance points is invaluable to any roster. Centers who can back down opponents with ease and see the floor are the new leaders of today's changing game. There are several dominant centers that I believe are slept on. Let's talk about it.