Top 2026 Basketball Centers Shaping the Game

As all of you know, the game of basketball is always changing. The ability to score, how people go about scoring,  the ways to score, and how each position is used, always seem to evolve.    One position that seems to be a staple in any offense is the center position. This is the position that anchors the middle, providing a vast array of options for teams. How that position is utilized swings back and forth. For example, you have some kids who are rim runners and hang around the blocks. You have some who work the high post. You have some who can stretch the floor and work. Just like all other positions, the center position is unique in that they too can be utilized in multiple ways.   In our state, we have talented bigs who have shot up our rankings. These girls have gotten the job done in multiple ways, but the value they bring to their ball club has set that team up for success for years to come. These girls have put in the work, given their team a viable option, and have just been a nightmare to deal with. You can't teach height, as they say. These girls have posed threats in their own way and have been integral parts of their team's success throughout the year.   Check out some 2026 centers that have made a name for themselves.    One of the best bigs in the state. She moves well for a big and can do a multitude of things within the arc. I love her ability to work the high post, establish herself down low, and counter whatever the defense gives her as they try to prevent her from scoring the basketball. She has a great feel for pressure as she will kick out and establish herself again. Her ability to rebound the basketball is great, and that goes for both ends of the floor. She is a solid kid who battles and isn't afraid to mix it up down low. Look for her to continue to grow and be a force down low for PCA.     This kid has come onto the scene with vengeance. She, of course, can do work down low, but her ability to stretch the floor and even put the ball on the floor is unique. She handles the ball well for a big and will get into her pull-up game quickly. She had a bag of counter moves: up and under, step through, shot fake and go, you name it, this kid is equipped with options. Her game has grown tremendously as her confidence has as well. Her pendulum talent is swinging up, and this kid is going to have a monster year coming up. Look for her to attract the eyes of some big-time coaches.     Someone who stars in her role and does it well. This kid is a true anchor in the middle as she is an old-school back-to-the-basket player. Don't get me wrong, the range and the face-up game is there as well. When it comes to putting the ball in the hole in the 8ft range, she is hard to deal with. She owns anything around that cylinder. She blocks shots, grabs rebounds, I mean, makes the other team really gameplan for other looks. She is gaining confidence and getting comfortable in her role, which equates to and will pose problems for other teams. She's quiet-natured, yet her game speaks volumes. Look for her to be an important piece for Lipscomb as they look to return to the final 4.     Had a tremendous year and really put everyone on notice during the state tournament. This young lady grew tremendously over the year, and she did so on both ends of the floor. From knocking down shots, shutting down the opposition, rebounds, blocks, and steals, she was truly a solid two-way player for her team. Her stock rose tremendously as she proved her worth time and time again as her squad made a state title run. Look for more of the same next season as she gets back after it.     Solid kid who continues to impress me with her game. Great in the screen action, she can roll and finish, pop into a shot, and really create mismatches that enable her to have an advantage to exploit. She, too, can work the block area and finish through contact. She runs the floor well in transition and can catch the ball over the top to finish. Her ability to rebound and block shots also sets her apart from others. She is a talented kid who is right in the middle of her maturation process. Keep tabs on her as she becomes an even bigger threat than she currently is.

As all of you know, the game of basketball is always changing. The ability to score, how people go about scoring, the ways to score, and how each position is used, always seem to evolve.