Rankings Update: The 2027 Centers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We wrap up our positional breakdowns for the <em>Class of 2027</em> with a look a the <em>centers</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top ranked center is <em>Cushing Academy's</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470882' first='Theo' last='Edema']</strong>, who also checks in at <strong><em>#3</em></strong> overall in this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are five more prospects of note from the <em>center</em> position:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341311"],"_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-69e1765fe1d72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mark, a big man out of <em>Cushing Academy</em> in Massachusetts, checks in at <strong><em>#2</em></strong> among the <em>centers</em> and <strong><em>#28</em></strong> overall in this update. The 7-footer continues to take strides in his development and recently received an offer from <strong><em>Bucknell</em></strong>. He has impressive length that aids him in his ability to protect the rim on the defensive end of the floor. On top of that, he moves quite well for someone of his size and should only continue to get better defensively as he gets stronger. Offensively, he plays with a good basketball IQ, has the ability to finish above the rim as a cutter or roller out of ball screens, and continues to flash some potential as a floor-spacer in standstill opportunities off the catch. Mark will play on the travel circuit with the <em>Middlesex Magic</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470950"],"_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-69e1765fe1ded"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seltzer, a big man out of the <em>Williston Northampton School</em> in Massachusetts, checks in at <strong><em>#4</em></strong> among the <em>centers</em> and <strong><em>#32</em></strong> overall in this update. The 6'11" big man plays with some versatility on the offensive end of the floor and continues to attract the attention of low-major Division I programs, recently securing an offer from <strong><em>Iona</em></strong>. He's a plus athlete that has the ability to finish with authority around the rim, is a fluid mover that can operate as a roller or pop guy out of ball screens, and also shows the ability to knock down shots out to the three. Defensively, he has some impressive physical tools that allow him to defend inside and out, rebound in traffic, and protect the rim when coming over from the help side. Seltzer will run this spring and summer with <em>New Heights NYC</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2560962"],"_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-69e1765fe1e43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malok, a big man out of the <em>St. Thomas More School</em> in Connecticut, checks in at <strong><em>#6</em></strong> among the <em>centers</em> and <strong><em>#44</em></strong> overall in this update. The 6'11" big is still just scratching the surface of his potential, but recently picked up a Division I offer from <strong><em>UMass-Lowell</em></strong>. He's incredibly long, and lean, and while he'll need to continue to add weight and strength, one of his strengths is that he's an agile and fluid mover. He covers ground quickly in the open floor, plays with a good motor on the offensive glass, and offers a huge catch radius as a roller out of screens. He continues to develop as a finisher around the rim and even shows some potential as a passer out of double teams. Defensively, he is a high level rim protector that blocks and alters shot after shot on that end of the floor. Malok will play his travel ball with the <em>GB Blue Devils</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2818618"],"_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-69e1765fe1e94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saas, a big man out of <em>Tabor Academy</em> in Massachusetts, checks in at <strong><em>#12</em></strong> among the <em>centers</em> and <strong><em>#130</em></strong> overall in this update. The 6'9" big man has continued to be a stock riser in New England after adjusting well to a higher level of competition in the NEPSAC this winter. He's continued to add strength to his frame and is more willing to play through contact in the paint, asserting himself as a defensive rebounder and threat to score on the low block. He moves well for his size, has the ability to defend on the perimeter for multiple dribbles, and shows the ability to operate as the hub of an offense from the elbows or short corner. Saas is playing for the <em>New England Storm</em> this spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3590199"],"_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-69e1765fe1ee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Merchant, a big man out of <em>Rice Memorial High School</em> in Vermont, checks in at <strong><em>#15</em></strong> among the <em>centers</em> and <strong><em>#150</em></strong> overall. At 6'7" and 225 pounds, he's one of the most physically imposing prospects in Vermont's state association. He filled up that stat sheet this winter, nearly averaging a double-double, while also posting over three blocks per game. He's a bit of a throwback big in that he uses his frame to his advantage on the block, particularly when holding off defenders and establishing his position. He's got some touch as a finisher around the rim and event showed the ability to consistently knock down threes in catch and shoot situations. He's got some mobility and shows the ability to attack the rim as a straight line driver offensively. Defensively, he does a great job of controlling the glass and starting the break with strong outlet passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll continue looking at the <em>Class of 2027</em> later this week by checking out some prospects on the Watch List!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->