The 2025 NBA Draft center class lacks a clear-cut franchise anchor at the top; however, it offers intriguing depth, versatility, and upside across the board. While there’s no surefire star in the mold of past top-three picks, several prospects like Thomas Sorber, Derik Queen, Khaman Maluach, and Joan Beringer have lottery intrigue thanks to their elite tools and long term ceilings. Beyond that, the class is bolstered by a strong middle tier of experienced college bigs and rising international talents, with as many as 8 to 9 centers projecting as legitimate first-round options. From high-upside developmental bets to plug-and-play contributors with size and skill, this is a well-rounded group that offers both immediate help and long-term projection.
1. Thomas SorberC Georgetown FreshmanAge: 19.5 | Height (barefoot): 6′9.25″ | Wingspan: 7′6.00″ | Weight: 262.8 lbsStanding Reach: 9′1.00″2024–25 Stats: 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.0 BPG, 57.3% FG, 72.4% FT, 16.2% 3PT
Sorber is an interior-minded big man with intriguing length, soft touch, and a surprisingly advanced passing feel for a 19-year-old freshman. His post game is mature beyond his years, using strength, footwork, and timing to score efficiently inside, and his unselfishness as a passer gives him extra value as a facilitator from the post or high elbow. At 6’10” with a 7’6” wingspan, he shows the tools to grow into a reliable two-way center. He isn’t a high-level athlete, so improving his perimeter quickness and jumper will be key to maximizing his NBA impact. Still, he remains a developing and intriguing prospect. Foot surgery in February cut his season short and forced him to miss the pre-draft process, adding some uncertainty to his stock. He is our top-ranked center in the class, which is admittedly going out on a limb. Most teams have Khaman Maluach and Derik Queen ranked ahead of him, but we prefer Sorber’s feel for the game to Maluach’s and his size and mobility combination to Queen’s. If healthy and placed in the right situation, Sorber has clear starting-caliber upside and even All-Star potential if he continues to develop.
2. Derik QueenC Maryland FreshmanAge: 20.5 | Height (barefoot): 6′9.25″ | Wingspan: 7′0.50″ | Weight: 247.8 lbsStanding Reach: 9′1.50″2024–25 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 54.8% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.2% FT
Queen is a polished and skilled interior big with a soft touch, strong frame, and high-level footwork, who was one of the most productive freshmen big men in the country. He averaged 15.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game at Maryland, showcasing impressive scoring instincts with back-to-the-basket craft, mid-range feel, and occasional flashes of shooting touch from deep. His passing feel is also notable, nearly two assists per game, and he’s comfortable passing out of double teams and making decisions from the high post. Queen’s ability to carve out space and play with patience and balance in the post separates him from many modern bigs. Defensively, his foot speed is a concern, and he’ll need time and work to adjust to NBA pace and spacing. He can struggle guarding in space or containing quicker players, though he averaged 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game through timing and awareness. While he lacks standout athleticism, his blend of strength, skill, and court awareness gives him clear offensive upside as a post scorer and secondary playmaker. Queen has the makings of a longtime starter in the right system. His determination and confidence also stand out, as he buried the game-winning shot to lift Maryland past Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament, a moment that showcased his poise under pressure.
3. Khaman MaluachC Duke FreshmanAge: 18.8 | Height (barefoot): 7′0.75″ | Wingspan: 7′6.75″ | Weight: 252.8 lbsStanding Reach: 9′6.00″2024–25 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 71.0% FG, 25.0% 3PT, 76.0% FT
Maluach is a towering, high-upside rim protector with elite length, impressive coordination for his size, and promising defensive upside. He is one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft class and is widely rated as the top center in the class by most online pundits. While we are a bit below consensus on him, his huge standing reach and free-throw touch create a lot of optimism. He showed steady improvement throughout his freshman year at Duke, anchoring the paint in limited minutes while flashing long-term starter tools. He shot 71 percent from the field, primarily on rim runs, lobs, and rolls, and displayed soft touch with encouraging free-throw mechanics at 76 percent. Defensively, his 9′6″ standing reach gives him real presence as a rim protector, and his timing and positioning are trending upward as he averaged 1.3 blocks in just 21 minutes per game. That said, expectations may be getting a bit unrealistic. Scouts note that despite his large frame, Maluach has a high center of gravity and lacks core strength and balance, leading to him being pushed off the block. The zero-rebound Final Four loss to Houston exposed how physical play can take him out of rhythm and limit his effectiveness. It is also worth noting that he benefited from playing on a loaded Duke team and was never asked to carry the offensive load the way many other first-round bigs were. If he adds significant core strength, he could become a long-term starter, but he remains one of the bigger leap-of-faith prospects at his current draft projection.
4. Joan BeringerPF/C Cedevita Olimpija (France)Age: 18.6 | Height (barefoot): 6′11″ | Wingspan: 7′4.5″ | Weight: 234.8 lbsStanding Reach: 9′3.00″2024–25 Stats (Slovenian/EuroCup): 4.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 53.0 % FG, 53.0 % FT
Beringer is a late-blooming, toolsy 7-footer whose elite length, quick-twitch mobility, and relentless motor give him high-end defensive upside, though he still has plenty of work to do on the offensive end. Playing in Slovenia for KK Cedevita Olimpija, he already flashes switchable perimeter footwork and genuine rim-protection instincts (7′4.5″ wingspan, 9′3″ reach, 2+ blocks per 36 minutes). He’s a springy lob target, sprints the floor, and finishes plays above the rim. Offensively, however, he’s still raw: his post game is undeveloped, his hands can be shaky in traffic, and his jumper and free-throw mechanics (53%) remain mechanical and slow. Strength and foul discipline are additional swing areas as he learns to absorb contact and channel his nonstop energy more efficiently. Beringer’s blend of size, agility, and defensive motor makes him a classic boom-or-bust first-round bet. He will likely need a multiyear developmental plan, but there is a clear pathway to becoming a modern rim-running, switch-capable big if the skill level and frame catch up to the tools.
5. Maxime RaynaudC Stanford SeniorAge: 22.2 | Height (barefoot): 7′0.25″ | Wingspan: 7′1.25″ | Weight: 236.8 lbsStanding Reach: 9′2.00″2024–25 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 53.6% FG, 29.4% 3PT, 74.1% FT
Raynaud is a skilled 7-footer who pairs polished interior scoring and soft touch with enough mobility to project as a pick-and-pop option at the next level. One of only two Division I players to average 20 and 10 this season, he scores with either hand on hooks and short jumpers, uses smart angles to seal defenders, and shows credible range, hitting 20 threes while converting better than 74% from the line. His passing feel (2.1 APG) and reliable hands make him comfortable operating from the elbows or short roll, and he competes on the glass, grabbing 10.2 boards a night. The questions lie in his athletic ceiling: Raynaud’s vertical pop and lateral quickness are slightly below NBA standards, which limits his rim protection (0.8 BPG) and switchability, and he relies more on timing and touch than explosiveness around the rim. His IQ, shooting touch, and feel for the game give him a chance to thrive in a structured system at the next level. He only played on the first day of the NBA Draft Combine but impressed scouts with his poise and feel, likely solidifying a spot in the first round. Teams like Boston and Phoenix have shown interest and could target him in the late first.
6. Ryan KalkbrennerC Creighton SeniorAge: 23.4 | Height (barefoot): 7′1.00″ | Wingspan: 7′6.00″ | Weight: 257.4 lbsStanding Reach: 9′4.00″2024–25 Stats: 17.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 3.1 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 65.3% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 79.5% FT
Kalkbrenner is one of the most polished and reliable rim protectors in this year’s draft, having anchored Creighton’s defense for five straight seasons. A four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, his elite shot-blocking instincts (3.1 BPG in 2024–25) and 7′6″ wingspan allow him to thrive by staying vertical and reading the play. On offense, he’s efficient and unselfish, with most of his production coming via pick-and-roll finishes, lob opportunities, and quick touches around the basket. His soft hands and ability to screen and roll help maximize spacing, while his touch from the line (79.5% FT) and 34.4% from three on limited volume suggest some pick-and-pop potential. Kalkbrenner is somewhat limited creating his own shot or facing up from the perimeter, but he added some consistency to his jumper as a senior. He’s also limited in terms of switching or defending in space, relying more on anticipation and positioning than foot speed. He’s more fluid than explosive, but stays within his role and rarely makes mistakes. His experience, size, and feel give him a high floor as a rotational big who can anchor a second unit or spot start in the right system. In a center class with solid depth but few proven veterans, Kalkbrenner offers plug-and-play value and could be one of the first bigs off the board in the second round, with a chance to sneak into the late first depending on team needs.
7. Danny WolfPF/C, JuniorAge: 21.1 | Height (barefoot): 6′10.50″ | Wingspan: 7′2.25″ | Weight: 251.8 lbs | Standing Reach: 9′1.00″2024–25 Stats: 13.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 49.7 % FG, 33.6 % 3PT, 59.4 % FT
Wolf is a uniquely skilled 7-footer who combines guard-like vision with legit size, offering a “point-center” profile that intrigues scouts as a late-first to early-second round gamble. He averaged 3.6 assists per game while frequently initiating offense from the elbows, using his height to find cutters and make quick reads. Despite sound mechanics, shooting remains a concern, 33.6% from three and 59.4% from the line. and limits his floor-spacing upside. He shows soft touch on hooks and floaters and ranked among the Big Ten’s top rebounders at 9.7 per game. Defensively, he’s not a rim protector and lacks lateral quickness, raising real concerns about how his game translates on that end. Turnovers (3.2 per game), average burst, and limited physicality also cloud his fit against NBA athletes. Wolf is most effective when the offense runs through him, which may be difficult to replicate at the next level. Still, he earned a green room invite and is well-liked by teams, signaling likely first-round status. His blend of passing feel, rebounding, and interior touch make him a modern big worth developing, especially for teams seeking a high-IQ connector with pick-and-pop upside. His modest speed and floor game evoke shades of a 7-foot Dejan Bodiroga, and he could thrive as a high-level European player if the NBA fit doesn’t stick.
8. Hansen YangC, InternationalAge: 20.0 | Height (barefoot): 7′1.00″ | Wingspan: 7′2.75″ | Weight: 252.6 lbs | Standing Reach: 9′3.00″2024–25 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.6 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 58.6% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 61.3% FT
Yang is an unusually poised 7-footer who blends impressive vision with sturdy, true-center size, giving scouts a creative high-post facilitator to consider in the early-second or late-first round. Running much of Qingdao’s offense through the elbows and low block, he averaged three assists per game, reading double teams and firing skip passes like a guard. His touch around the rim and toolbox of hooks, drop steps, and shoulder fakes helped him score efficiently inside, while his strong frame allowed him to finish through contact and live at the line, though his 61 percent free-throw mark spotlights a shooting touch that still needs work. From deep he attempted just over one triple a night and hit 33 percent, a respectable tease that remains more theory than bankable spacing. Defensively he posts eye-catching block numbers thanks to instinctive timing, yet limited foot speed, stiff hips, and average burst raise concerns about containing pick-and-rolls or switching onto ball handlers at NBA pace. Yang’s turnovers creep up when pressured and he rarely faces up beyond twelve feet, so opponents will sag until he proves he can make them pay. Even so, his blend of strength, rebounding, interior scoring craft, and live-dribble passing at 7-2 is rare, earning comparisons to a young Marc Gasol or Vlade Divac. Teams comfortable developing his shot and lateral quickness could find a valuable front-court connector with starting upside. If the athletic gap proves too wide, his high IQ and interior skill set could still translate into a long, productive career in top European leagues.
9. Yanic Konan NiederhauserC Penn State SeniorAge: 22.3 | Height (barefoot): 6′11.25″ | Wingspan: 7′3.25″ | Weight: 242.6 lbsStanding Reach: 9′3.00″2024–25 Stats: 12.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 2.3 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 61.1% FG, 9.1% 3PT, 66.4% FT
Niederhauser is a toolsy, late-blooming big man whose blend of length, mobility, and defensive potential has elevated him into the draft conversation after a breakout senior year at Penn State. A native of Switzerland, he stands out physically with a 7′3.25″ wingspan, 9′3″ standing reach, and 37″ max vertical, elite numbers for a center prospect. He averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 boards, and 2.3 blocks in just over 25 minutes per game, showing his ability to finish lobs, protect the rim, and impact the game in short bursts. Niederhauser runs the floor hard, plays with energy, and finishes well above the rim. His frame still has room to fill out, and his improved touch around the basket, along with flashes of footwork and touch in the post, offer optimism. Defensively, he’s a capable help-side shot blocker with solid timing and agility. His mechanics at the free throw line suggest potential as a mid-range shooter. However, he’s still raw in several key areas, his post game remains rudimentary, he struggles to pass out of double teams, and he relies heavily on others to generate offense. His rebounding instincts and positioning are inconsistent, and he can be foul-prone or out of position on switches. At 23, he’s older than most prospects, and his late breakout raises questions about translatability. Still, with elite measurements, mobility, and an upward developmental curve, Niederhauser is an intriguing project big who could provide rim protection and vertical spacing in the right NBA system. A potential second-round steal with long-term upside.
10. Lachlan OlbrichPF/C, InternationalAge: 21.5 | Height (barefoot): 6′8.75″ | Wingspan: 6′11.25″ | Weight: 230.2 lbs |Standing Reach: 8′11.5″2024–25 Stats (NBL – Illawarra): 8.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 BPG, 60.2% FG, 9.1% 3PT, 63.8% FT2024 NZ NBL (Canterbury Rams): 20.6 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 BPG
Olbrich is a tough, skilled Australian big who has steadily developed into a legitimate second-round prospect. Though not an explosive athlete, he competes with physicality and plays a smart, team-first game built on touch, rebounding, and screening. A below-the-rim finisher who uses craft and angles inside, he is effective in pick-and-roll action and has flashed some face-up scoring and short-roll playmaking. He made a strong impression at the NBA Draft Combine with his toughness and rebounding and was dominant in New Zealand, winning MVP and Grand Final MVP. Defensively, he battles in the post and stays vertical but lacks the length and lateral quickness to be a true rim protector or switchable big. His limited perimeter shot, just 9.1% from three this past season, remains a swing skill. Without great size or athleticism, he will need to improve his shooting to stick in the NBA. Still, his production, IQ, and motor make him a viable depth option for a team willing to invest in his development and believe in his upside.
