Finest Magazine 26-27 DMV Preseason CBB Watchlist: Center

The center position remains one of the most important pieces of building a successful college basketball team, and this year’s Finest Magazine Watchlist features a strong collection of experienced veterans, high-major transfers, and rising young big men with the potential to make an immediate impact. From athletic rim runners and defensive anchors to skilled interior scorers who can stretch the floor, this group brings a variety of skill sets that should make the upcoming season exciting to follow.

Several players are entering new situations with something to prove, while others are returning to familiar programs with an opportunity to take another step forward. Here is a closer look at the centers who could make a significant impact during the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Alex Atkinson | Towson | 6’10” | 200 lbs | Junior

Alex Atkinson arrives at Towson with an impressive résumé from the Division II level, having established himself as one of the more productive and defensively impactful big men in the CIAA. After stops at Claflin and Francis Marion, Atkinson earned All-CIAA First Team, CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, and CIAA All-Tournament Team honors while averaging 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Now making the jump to Division I basketball, the junior center will have an opportunity to show that his production and defensive instincts can translate against a higher level of competition.

Atkinson is an athletic big who thrives playing above the rim. His ability to run the floor, finish around the basket, and create opportunities as a lob threat should make him a valuable weapon in Towson’s frontcourt. Defensively, his mobility and timing allow him to protect the rim while covering ground across the floor, giving him the versatility to make an impact in multiple defensive coverages. The biggest question will be how his frame holds up against the physicality of Division I frontcourts, but his motor, athleticism, and defensive instincts give him a strong foundation. Atkinson has the potential to become an immediate defensive presence for the Tigers while providing an efficient interior scoring option.

Cooper Bowser | Arkansas | 6’11” | 255 lbs | Senior

Cooper Bowser enters his final collegiate season with an opportunity to take his game to another level after a productive career at Furman. The senior averaged 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting an impressive 76.6% from the field in 29.5 minutes per game. His efficiency around the basket and experience as a traditional interior presence make him an intriguing addition to an Arkansas frontcourt that will need physicality, toughness, and consistent production.

The transition from the Southern Conference to the SEC will present a different challenge, particularly against the size and athleticism of high-major frontcourts. However, Bowser brings several traits that should translate well. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a player his size, finishes efficiently around the rim, and has the strength to compete on the glass. His defensive ability, particularly as a shot blocker and interior presence, gives Arkansas a dependable option at the five.

One of the more interesting developments will be how much Bowser expands his offensive game. Arkansas coaches have been working with him on playing through the perimeter, making decisions with the ball, and becoming more comfortable operating away from the basket. His athleticism and mobility provide a solid foundation for that growth. If Bowser can maintain his interior efficiency while adding versatility to his offensive repertoire, he could become an important piece of Arkansas’ frontcourt rotation.

James Brown | Howard | 6’10” | 240 lbs | Junior

Howard is taking a patient approach with James Brown as the junior continues his recovery from foot surgery that sidelined him in January. Brown averaged 1.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in nine appearances at North Carolina, but his limited production does not tell the full story of the talent he brings to the Bison. Head coach Kenny Blakeney believes Brown has the potential to become one of the team’s top players once he returns to full health, and his combination of size, athleticism, and interior skill gives Howard plenty of reason to be optimistic.

Brown is an explosive big man who plays above the rim and finishes with either hand around the basket. His ability to run the floor, establish position, and finish in screen-and-roll or screen-and-slip situations should make him a strong fit in Howard’s offensive system. He is also a reliable rebounder who can create second-chance opportunities through his activity and positioning.

Defensively, Brown has the mobility to cover ground, protect the rim, and provide a physical presence around the basket. His athleticism should allow him to make an impact in multiple defensive coverages, particularly when Howard needs a big man who can defend in space while still protecting the paint. If he can regain his health and build on the talent he displayed earlier in his career, Brown has the potential to become a double-double threat and one of the more impactful frontcourt players in the MEAC.

Tomislav Buljan | Maryland | 6’9” | 250 lbs | Sophomore

Tomislav Buljan brings an impressive combination of production, physicality, and versatility to Maryland’s frontcourt after an outstanding freshman campaign at New Mexico. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward-center averaged 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 54.0% from the field, earning Second Team All-Mountain West honors. His ability to produce consistently against experienced college competition makes him one of the more intriguing additions to the Terrapins’ roster.

Buljan is an aggressive rebounder who plays with a physical edge and understands how to use his frame to establish position. He has a strong feel for scoring around the basket and can create opportunities through his activity on the offensive glass. His rebounding production should translate well to the Big Ten, where Maryland will need consistent toughness and physicality in the paint.

What makes Buljan particularly interesting is his passing ability. He has the potential to become more than a traditional interior scorer, serving as a facilitator who can operate through the high post and help initiate offense. Maryland could look to play through him at different points of the season, allowing him to use his size and vision to create opportunities for teammates. If he maintains his rebounding production while adjusting to the Big Ten’s physicality, Buljan could become one of Maryland’s most important frontcourt players.

Christian Gurdak | Rutgers | 6’10” | 265 lbs | Sophomore

Christian Gurdak enters his sophomore season at Rutgers with valuable experience and the potential to expand his role in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-10 center averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 63.2% from the field in 17.1 minutes per game at Virginia Tech. He started 10 games and demonstrated his ability to compete against high-level competition, highlighted by a memorable 17-point, 19-rebound performance in a triple-overtime victory over Virginia on New Year’s Eve.

Gurdak’s size and interior efficiency make him a valuable option around the basket. He has the strength to establish position, finish through contact, and provide a physical presence on the glass. His rebounding instincts and ability to capitalize on opportunities around the rim should give Rutgers a dependable interior option as he continues to develop.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Gurdak’s game is his potential as a perimeter shooter. Although he did not attempt a three-pointer last season, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell has indicated that shooting from the perimeter is part of his skill set. If Gurdak can demonstrate that ability consistently, he could provide Rutgers with additional offensive flexibility by forcing opposing centers to defend away from the basket. His sophomore season will be an important opportunity to establish himself as a more complete offensive player.

Vince Iwuchukwu | Georgetown | 7’1” | 257 lbs | Graduate Student

Vince Iwuchukwu’s return to Georgetown provides the Hoyas with a significant boost in experience, size, and interior production. After averaging 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, the 7-foot-1 center secured an additional season of eligibility and gives Georgetown a proven presence around the basket heading into the new campaign.

Iwuchukwu is an effective interior finisher who uses his size and strength to create scoring opportunities in the paint. He is a reliable lob threat, a capable screener, and a strong rebounder who can provide Georgetown with second-chance opportunities. Defensively, his length and ability to protect the rim make him an important piece of the Hoyas’ interior defense.

His presence should be particularly valuable alongside Jaland Lowe, whose ability to create off the dribble and penetrate the defense could generate opportunities for Iwuchukwu as a roll man. Lowe’s playmaking should allow the senior center to capitalize on his athleticism and finishing ability while also creating opportunities for other players through his screening. Georgetown was a more effective team with Iwuchukwu available last season, and his return gives the Hoyas a stronger foundation to build around. If he can remain healthy and continue to provide consistent production, he could be one of the more impactful centers in the Big East.

Dylan James | George Washington | 6’9” | 225 lbs | Graduate Student

Dylan James brings toughness, athleticism, and a defensive-minded approach to George Washington’s frontcourt. The 6-foot-9 graduate student averaged 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds last season, but his value extends beyond the box score. James is a high-energy big man who plays with an edge and brings the type of physicality and defensive commitment that can help establish a team’s identity.

James is an explosive athlete who can finish above the rim, challenge shots, and create opportunities through his activity around the basket. His length and mobility allow him to defend multiple positions, making him a valuable option in different defensive coverages. He is also a capable rebounder who can help GW finish defensive possessions and limit second-chance opportunities.

His ability to serve as a back-end defensive anchor should be particularly important for the Revolutionaries. James has the size, athleticism, and toughness to protect the paint while providing the communication and defensive discipline needed to keep a team organized. His offensive role may not always be extensive, but his energy, rim protection, and willingness to do the dirty work could make him an important contributor in GW’s frontcourt rotation.

Chol Machot | Georgetown | 7’0” | 200 lbs | Redshirt Junior

Chol Machot arrives at Georgetown following an outstanding season at College of Charleston, where he established himself as one of the most impactful defensive players in the CAA. The 7-foot center averaged 8.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 59.2% from the field. He also earned CAA Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in blocked shots with 79.

Machot’s greatest strength is his ability to protect the rim. His length, timing, and instincts allow him to alter shots and discourage opponents from attacking the basket. He has the mobility to cover ground defensively and the potential to become a valuable presence in Georgetown’s interior defense. His shot-blocking ability should provide the Hoyas with a different dimension when defending opposing guards who penetrate into the paint.

Offensively, Machot offers more versatility than his traditional center role might suggest. He has shown the ability to pass, shoot, and contribute as a finisher around the basket. His development as a decision-maker could make him a useful option in Georgetown’s half-court offense.

The biggest challenge will be adjusting to the physicality of the Big East. Machot will need to continue developing his strength to compete against the conference’s more powerful interior players. However, his defensive instincts and versatility give Georgetown a promising frontcourt addition who could make an immediate impact.

Patrick Ngongba II | Duke | 6’11” | 250 lbs | Junior

Patrick Ngongba II enters his junior season at Duke with the potential to establish himself as one of the premier centers in college basketball. After averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 21.9 minutes per game, Ngongba made significant strides during his sophomore campaign. He doubled his minutes, increased his scoring from 3.9 points per game as a freshman, and became a more involved part of Duke’s offensive and defensive systems.

Ngongba is a skilled interior player who can operate comfortably on either block. He has a strong understanding of positioning, footwork, and how to use his size to create scoring opportunities around the basket. His ability to finish efficiently, combined with his improved passing, makes him a valuable option in Duke’s half-court offense.

What separates Ngongba from many traditional centers is his potential as a perimeter shooter. He shot 25.8% from three-point range last season, but his ability to stretch the floor could become an important part of his development. His shooting touch, combined with his interior scoring, gives Duke the flexibility to use him in different offensive actions.

Defensively, Ngongba is a formidable presence who can protect the rim, rebound, and defend with physicality. His 1.1 blocks per game and 60.6% field-goal percentage reflect his efficiency and impact around the basket. A foot injury limited him late in the season, but if he returns to full health, Ngongba has the tools to become a major force for the Blue Devils. His combination of skill, size, and versatility gives him a legitimate opportunity to emerge as one of the country’s best centers.

Andrija Vukovic | George Washington | 6’11” | 270 lbs | Junior

Andrija Vukovic gives George Washington another intriguing frontcourt option after transferring from Oklahoma State. The 6-foot-11, 270-pound junior averaged 5.3 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 62.2% from the field, providing efficient production in a limited role.

Vukovic is an inside-outside skill player who brings a different offensive dimension to GW’s frontcourt. His size and strength allow him to establish position around the basket, while his perimeter skill set gives him the potential to create matchup problems for opposing forwards. Against smaller defenders, he can use his frame to score inside, while his ability to operate away from the basket could make it difficult for traditional big men to defend him comfortably.

His role will be particularly interesting alongside Dylan James, whose athleticism and defensive versatility provide a different skill set. Vukovic could offer GW a more traditional scoring presence while James handles more of the defensive responsibilities and high-energy work around the basket.

The key for Vukovic will be translating his efficiency into a more consistent role. If he can maintain his interior production while taking advantage of his inside-outside versatility, he could become an important offensive piece for the Revolutionaries and a difficult matchup for A-10 frontcourts.

Cardell Dudley Jr. Founder, Finest Magazine & The Focus Sports Show

Independent NBA Scouting Consultant | NBA FBOS Alum