Preseason Top 10 Centers

1. Tyler Hansbrough- North Carolina (18.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.3 APG)
Tyler played the role of Super Frosh for the Heels surprising season in 05-06, scoring in double digits in all but one game. His relentless efforts on the offensive and defensive glass gives Hansbrough many easy buckets, and his attacks to the basket are rarely halted. He can also step outside and drain the mid-range shot. Look for Tyler’s numbers to stay around the same for 06-07 with all the talent surrounding him improving and the outstanding recruiting class.

2. Glen Davis- LSU (18.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.4 APG)
Big Baby shed 40 pounds during the off-season to make up for his tiring problem that was evident during the Final Four. This year, Davis will go strong the entire season and continue to dominate the paint for LSU. His unique physical strength make defending Davis practically impossible. The wingspan and shooting ability is not exceptional, but uses his body so well down low he can still put up 25 any time out.

3. Joakim Noah- Florida (14.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.1 APG)
Along with his teammates, it was well publicized that Noah decided to stay in school, even with rumors surfacing he could have been chosen #1 overall. I find that a bit ridiculous given that Noah still has some holes in his game and seemed to peak just at the right moment while the hype hadn’t cleared from the Final Four. Don’t get me wrong, Noah is a tremendous player for Florida. His fierce, passionate intensity seems to make Noah better- and his ability to create certain shots, or passes, are unparalleled in the college game today.

4. Nick Fazekas- Nevada (21.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.1 APG)
The statistics speak for themselves. Even if Fazekas shines with a lower profile team, there’s no doubt he will be a 1st or 2nd team All American this season. Nick shined with three games dropping more than 35 points, including 35 at Kansas early in the year. Unlike any of the previous big men, Fazekas can drain the three with absolute ease.

5. Aaron Gray- Pittsburgh (13.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Pittsburgh all of a sudden becomes a national title threat with Gray back on the bench. Gray has improved drastically over the past couple of years to become, arguably, the best rebounder in the nation. His agility and athleticism are definitely in question, possibly the reason he pulled out of the draft, and the scoring needs a little touch. Still, Gray is a very complete player.

6. Joseph Jones- Texas A&M (15.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG)
The huge-framed Aggie never stops banging down low. He is a pure forward who contains superior athleticism for a guy with his weight. While he lacks that explosive move to the basket, Jones can muscle with the best in college basketball and is a solid NBA prospect.

7. Jermareo Davidson- Alabama (14.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.2 APG)
Davidson, along with Steele and Hendrix, make a dynamic trio for Mark Gottfried this season. Davidson might be the best of the bunch- a ferocious shot blocker and rebounding talent who loves to mix in the jump hook with his already complete game on the defensive end. The offensive capabilities are limited, but did get better as the season progressed. He needs to add muscle.

8. Roy Hibbert- Georgetown (11.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.3 APG)
Hibbert is still developing. His post moves have improved during his tenure at Georgetown. The rebounding and shot-blocking, vital for a true center, are strengths. He’s also, surprisingly, a great free throw shooter. Hibbert just needs to become a better decision maker and not fade out in certain games.

9. Randolph Morris- Kentucky (13.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 0.3 APG)
After returning to the court for Kentucky, Morris was anything but spectacular. Still, he had some potent games offensively- 20 and 22 in two meetings vs. Tennessee. Morris can be dominating if he really sets his mind to it and stops becoming lazy- he’s got a remarkable jump hook and tremendous rebounding abilities. His moves around the hoop are also very good.

10. Josh McRoberts- Duke (8.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 APG)
Duke is now Josh McRoberts’ team. He shied away from scoring in bunches last year with Redick and Williams, but will now get the chance to score 25-30 on occasion. He contains a jumper that extends pretty deep and the best footwork in the post of any freshman in the country. Finishes with easy buckets very frequently, as well.