2011 NBA Draft: Ranking the Top 15 Centers on the Draft Board
2011 is an odd year for center prospects in the draft.
This year, there are few proven NCAA players (only one senior on the list), but plenty of prospects loaded with potential. That potential starts with sheer size, as all tower at over 6’9” or taller.
Look for the top few on this list to be taken in the lottery, and the rest to have a shot in second round.
That said, SwishScout.com presents "The Top 15 Center Prospects.”
Note: On most players, you can click their name or school to take you to a more detailed profile for a more extensive scouting report on the respective prospect.
15. Jon Kreft, Florida State
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Jon Kreft (Florida State)
7’0”, 260 lb. Junior
The 2006 McDonald’s All-American has gone through a fair share of trials and tribulations over the past few years, but the 24-year-old has done well at Florida State this year. The seven-footer has showed signs of promise in limited minutes this season, and he’s a big body who rebounds very well.
14. Greg Smith, Fresno State
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Greg Smith (Fresno State)
6’10”, 250 lb. Sophomore
Smith has had an up and down season but despite his uneven play, is averaging some good numbers with more than 11 points and seven rebounds. Even with his inconsistencies, he’s been a defensive play-maker who’s putting up a block and a steal per contest.
13. Robert Sacre, Gonzaga
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Robert Sacre (Gonzaga)
7’0”, 250 lb. Junior
The Canadian center has been a rock for Gonzaga on defense, recording a few games with more than five blocks. Sacre is a big man who has some potential and size on his side but will likely hang around for his senior season.
12. Aaric Murray, La Salle
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Aaric Murray (La Salle)
6’10”, 250 lb. Sophomore
Murray is a player who has been under the radar in the Atlantic 10 conference but has been a force in the paint with the Explorers. The sophomore has been dominant and has tremendous potential for the position, but will need to refine his post game before he’s NBA ready.
11. Fab Melo, Syracuse
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7’0”. 245 lb. Freshman
Fabricio de Melo has seen little playing time this season under Jim Boeheim, but is still very much on the NBA radar because of his size, length and skill set in the post.
Melo is developing talent who could be a steal late in the draft this year if he decides to bolt from Syracuse.
10. Jordan Williams, Maryland
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Jordan Williams (Maryland)
6’10”, 260 lb. Sophomore
Williams has stepped up his production considerably this year for the Terrapins, bolstering his scoring average from less than 10 points a game to 17.2.
Williams is also an excellent rebounder, who has been a monster on the boards this season, snatching 11.5 per game.
9. Josh Smith, UCLA
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6’10”, 305 lb. Freshman
The hefty big has been a defensive spark off the bench for the Bruins in his first season, averaging nearly a block and steal per game in limited minutes.
Smith is still carrying some considerable "baby weight" but if he can turn that into muscle and get into shape, he could be a nice NBA prospect.
8 Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt
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Festus Ezeli (Vanderbilt)
6’11”. 255 lb. Junior
Vanderbilt’s Nigerian wonder has locked down the paint for the Commodores this season, averaging two-and-half blocks in his junior campaign.
He has great length, size and a motor that has impressed NBA scouts.
7. Keith Benson, Oakland
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Keith Benson (Oakland)
6’11”, 225 lb. Senior
Another very underrated big man under the national radar, Benson has been a stud for the Golden Grizzlies, averaging 17.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks this season.
Benson has one of the best inside-out games of any post player in the 2011 draft and should be a lock for a second round selection.
6. Alex Oriakhi, Connecticut
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Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut)
6’9”, 240 lb. Sophomore
While all the attention has been on Kemba Walker this season at UConn, Oriakhi has been a physical banger in the post who is still second on the team in scoring.
Although undersized, the sophomore brings a solid shot-blocking presence and motor on the boards that makes up for his diminutive size.
5. Lucas Nogueira, Brazil
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7’0”, 225 lb.
A project in every sense of the word, the 18-year-old Brazilian star has outstanding length and size for a prototypical NBA center.
"Bebe" is still extremely thin and not a physical player yet, but he has a nice feel for the game, especially on defense, and is gradually becoming an legitimate post presence.
4. Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
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7’0”, 250 lb. Junior
One of the more refined offensive players on this list, Zeller is a proven college player with a solid post game.
His potential isn’t as high as other players on this list but Zeller has a solid skill set that should enable him to be a starter in the league in due time.
3. Patric Young, Florida
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6’9”, 245 lb. Freshman
Perhaps the rawest of the NBA center prospects on this list, Young possesses an NBA body, outstanding athleticism and a great motor.
While he has a bright upside, Patric has a lot of work to do before he develops into an impact NBA player.
2. Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania
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6’11”, 240 lb.
Depending on whom you ask, Valanciunas is either a top five pick or late lottery pick, but no one can deny what he brings to the table as a budding big man. Size, length, athleticism, upside and an aggressive motor are all appropriate traits for this lanky post player.
1. Enes Kanter, Kentucky
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6’11”, 265 lb.
Despite being ineligible for NCAA play because of his participation in the Turkish Professional Leagues, Kanter is the real deal.
With most college basketball fans unaware of his talents, they would appreciate his absolute domination of Jared Sullinger for 34 points and 13 rebounds in the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit.
Look for Kanter to be taken early in the 2011 draft because of his size, polished skill set and refined post play.
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