10. Daniel Batcho – Texas Tech Red Raiders
2022-23 season stats: 7.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 rpg
Batcho was expected to have another limited role but ended up starting 16 games while Fardaws Aimaq was out. The 6’11 center was known for being a good defender but he had a stretch where he showed his scoring ability, averaging 15 ppg and 8.9 rpg in a seven-game stretch in the non-conference, which included games against Creighton and Ohio State.
Considering that his production dipped massively once against Big 12 completion, Batcho may end up being a starter at the mid-major level. But once the recruitment of the top bigs end the teams still needing a center come up empty, and that could be where Batcho ultimately ends up.
9. John Hugley – Pittsburgh Panthers
2021-22 season stats: 14.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.3 apg
The 6’8 center was limited to just eight games this past season but he led the Panthers in both scoring and rebounding the year prior. That includes a 32-point effort against Boston College and Hugley has quietly shown the ability to spread the floor with a three-point shot.
Teams such as Nebraska and West Virginia have shown interest early on but both of those programs have landed centers. Ole Miss and new head coach Chris Beard are the latest to target him and they’re reportedly on the visit. That would be a nice pickup for the Rebels if they can land the commitment of one of the better available post-scorers.