Along with the center position, there are many talented point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward prospects in this year’s draft. With the college season in full swing, here are the top center prospects to watch for in the 2025 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft: Top Center Prospects to Watch for
Rocco Zikarsky
The first on this list is Rocco Zikarsky, who plays center for Brisbane in the NBL. Standing at 7-foot-2, the main draw for Zikarsky as a prospect is his abilities on the defensive end. Specifically, his ability to be a dominant rim protector and effective rebounder. Zikarsky has excellent defensive instincts and awareness, allowing him to rotate well as a backline defender. He knows how to use his size and length to bother rim attacks, blocking any shots opponents attempt in the paint. It should also be known that Zikarsky is a good rebounder who can clean up possessions on both ends of the floor. However, he does need to improve his ability to defend in space.
Offensively, Zikarsky possesses a good touch around the rim but lacks range and creation ability in his bag. He operates well as a screen-setter and roller, as well as a lob threat. Furthermore, Zikarsky always put himself in a prime position for his teammates to dump the ball to him for easy finishes. He is great at diving in for offensive rebounds and putting them back over defenders. Undoubtedly, Zikarsky needs more improvement, but he has an undeniable talent that makes him one of the better centers in the class.
Khaman Maluach
The next player on this list is Khaman Maluach, Duke center who played for the South Sudanese national team in the Olympics this past summer. Standing at 7-foot-2, Maluach possesses extreme athleticism and incredible physical tools. Utilizing his large frame, length, and bounce, he can utterly annihilate shots at the rim. He can quickly get off the ground to deny shots and is good at using his length to bother opponents. Not only is he an imposing rim protector, but he also has the quickness to be a switchable defender and guard the perimeter. He does struggle to guard the pick-and-roll at times, as he can get lost defensively. Regardless, Maluach does play with energy and effort.
On the offensive end, He is an excellent play-finisher who has potential as a shooter. He thrives off of dump-offs and putbacks at the rim. Furthermore, his athletic abilities allow him to be an excellent lob threat. He is great at getting offensive rebounds and keeping possessions alive for his team. Maluach has shown some upside in the shooting department; he has confidence when taking shots from distance. He also has some touch in the mid-range. His offensive kit is raw and basic, but the overall talent and athleticism is there. For that reason, Maluach is one of the top centers to watch for in this draft cycle.
Derik Queen
The third player on the list is Derik Queen, the big man playing for Maryland. Queen, as a player, is a talented big who plays with skill, finesse, and energy. Standing at 6-foot-10, Queen has a strong frame that he uses to exploit mismatches. He plays with great physicality and can bulldoze his way to the rim. Queen operates well in the post, both in face-up and back to the basket. He has the mobility and footwork to beat slower-footed centers. Queen has great touch in the paint and he can put the ball on the floor, taking advantage of driving lanes. Additionally, Queen has good court vision and can make great passes to find open teammates.
Defensively, Queen’s sturdy frame allows him to contend with larger players in the post. His energy and high basketball IQ make him a good team defender. However, given his average athleticism, he isn’t the best rim protector or shot blocker. Furthermore, he can struggle to defend in space as he doesn’t have the best mobility. Regardless, his talent on the offensive end of the floor makes him one of the top center prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Honorable Mentions: Zvonimir Ivisic, Flory Bidunga, Hansen Yang, Motiejus Krivas, Aday Mara, Ryan Kalkbrenner
