The state of college basketball is ever changing but a few things always remain the same. March Madness will rewrite legacies and command national attention. Players and coaches build lasting connections and forge unforgettable bonds during their careers. And of course, the center remains an important piece of the puzzle on both sides of the ball.
We’re considering some great performances from some of the top centers in the nation today as evaluate the midseason watch list for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. We’re taking into account what each of these players have accomplished and figuring out just who deserves to receive this award in a few months.
10. Rienk Mast (Nebraska)
After missing last season, Mast has come back in a major way for the Cornhuskers this year. He’s putting up 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and is a big reason why Nebraska is nationally ranked and having a program-defining season. Mast is a versatile weapon who can hit outside shots and contain space in the paint, though Nebraska certainly hopes he can remain healthy through the rest of the season.
9. Hannes Steinbach (Washington)
An impressive force from Germany, Steinbach is having an incredible first season playing collegiate basketball. In doing solid work in the Big Ten, he’s averaging 17.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, leading the conference in rebounding. Steinbach is one of the nation’s most complete rebounders and he’s no slouch on offense either, ranking as one of the most efficient Big Ten weapons on both sides of the ball.
8. Alex Condon (Florida)
After brilliant work as a starter on a national championship team, Condon is producing at an even higher level as a junior. The Australian averages 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, becoming an efficient weapon and stat stuffer for the Gators. Condon helps lead a talented Florida frontcourt that has this team in great position all while making 61% of his shots inside the arc. He’s a great rebounder who tracks as one of the most efficient defenders in the SEC.
7. Motiejus Krivas (Arizona)
The 7-footer from Lithuania has taken on a significant role in year three, as Krivas helps Arizona continue an unbeaten start to the season. He’s averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds and is a reliable frontcourt presence. Krivas can hit shots outside the arc and is making 62% of his 2-pointers while also developing as a top shot blocker in the Big 12. It’s been a phenomenal step forward for him as a junior has his game continues developing.
6. Oscar Cluff (Purdue)
His numbers might not match his dominance at South Dakota State last season, but Cluff has certainly fit nicely with the Boilermakers and assumed a major role at the 5. Cluff averages 11.0 points and 7.5 rebounds and is once again one of the nation’s most efficient players. His 2-point field goal percentage is nearly 75% to lead the Big Ten while his very presence is important in running Purdue’s offense and providing second chance opportunities for Matt Painter’s crew.
5. Aday Mara (Michigan)
The offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but Mara is a 7-3 big who is really playing an important role for the Wolverines. He’s put up 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game so far this season while also leading the Big Ten with 2.8 blocks per game. Mara is one of the best defensive players in the nation and one of the best shot blockers while also making nearly 66% of his field goal attempts on a Wolverines team that’s a national favorite.
4. Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut)
It’s not a huge surprise seeing Reed taking this big step forward in his second year with Dan Hurley and Connecticut. After previous work with Michigan, Reed’s averaging 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while making 65% of his field goal attempts to lead the Big East. On a roster brimming with talent, Reed plays an enormous role down low for the Huskies, a team that continues to run away with their conference and could cut down the nets once again.
3. Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)
The Most Improved Player from the Big East last season, Ejiofor has taken another step in the right direction as a senior for the Red Storm. He’s producing 15.7 points and 7.5 rebounds as the top playmaker for a St. John’s team that’s nationally ranked and has real aspirations. Ejiofor remains one of the nation’s best offensive rebounders and is a truly positive presence for the Red Storm on both sides of the ball.
2. Flory Bidunga (Kansas)
A Top 20 prospect from the class of 2024, Bidunga has taken a major step forward as a sophomore and emerged in a major way for this Kansas crew. This brilliant sophomore year has seen him average 14.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, currently ranking as the top shot blocker in the Big 12. Bidunga’s presence affects the game on multiple levels, while his 68% field goal percentage also leads the conference. He’s played a significant role in Kansas’s recent resurgence as well.
1. Henri Veesaar (North Carolina)
After solid work off the bench at Arizona, Veesaar has really come into his own in a starring role for the Tar Heels. A major cog in North Carolina’s machine this season, he’s averaging 16.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while making nearly 69% of his 2-pointers and 46% from outside the arc. Veesaar isn’t exactly a sharpshooter, but the 7-footer from Estonia is a great scorer and rebounder and really changes the game in the paint for this ACC contender.