96 Centers

[Zyme]

Top 5 1996 center prospects:

Marcus Camby C+ C- D+ B- B- A

While he was expelled in disgrace, Camby is built to have a great career in the league. He has the size and the mentality to be a top rebounder and defender while maintaining a respectable clip from the field. Monster in the low post, he made defenses look silly at times. He isn't the best free thow shooter, but he isn't shaq bad. Has great footwork on the defensive side of the ball. Loves to send the ball into row Zed. Scouts love his upside.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas C B D- B- B- A

Won the Euorleague player of the year then bolted for the USA. The Lithuanian is a very, very good defender in the low post and his sheer size at 7'3" makes rebounding for him easy. I don't know what they put in the water up there in Lithuania, but man do they know how to get the basketball into the hoop from deep. One of the best three point shooters in this class, much less for a center. Absolute tank on defense. Scouts think he grades out a long-term starter for any team in the league.

Priest Lauderdale C+ D+ D- B- C+ B
American who went pro after high school and too his talents to South Beach, Athens Greece. Solid defender and has been one of the better young talents in FIBA. He has prototypical build to play the position at the next level and enogh of a post game to hold his own at the next level. Becuase he was playing professionally he was not invited to the combine, enough scout made it over there to say he should do fine. They wished he hat gotten out to the USA earlier to work out for team individually, and that lead to a lower grade.

Scot Pollard B- C C C C+ B

Mature center out of Kansas. He is one of the best low post finishers not named Garnett in this class. He has a nose for the rebound and has good footwork in keeping stronger matchups at bay. He doesn't often crash the offensive glass, which led many scouts to question his motor. Another camp is in the complete opposite opinion, his non-gambling style of defense is a good thing and his focus on playing smart and limiting offensive carums, and getting back in transition show a great maturity. Kinda a decisive candidate, but solid potential in any case.

Will Cunningham C+ C- D C+ C+ B

Relentless offensive rebounder out of Temple University. The owl was relentless on the offensive boards and was also very good defender in the post. At the combine, he blocked a fair number of shots. His struggles from the free-throw line are well documented. Good potential.

Other center prospects
Ben Pepper C C- C- B- C+ B
Mature defender from a land down under. One of the best post defenders outside of Big Z and Wallace. Exceptional strength, as everything down there seems to get bigger.

Martin Muursepp C+ C- D C+ C+ A

Kinda raw player out of the baltic nation of Estonia. Developing defender and rebounder but his post game is rather raw. Top shelf potential.

Vitaly Potapenko C+ C- D B- C+ D

Ukranian who immigrated and played collegiality for Wright State. Very nimble for his size and great nose for finding the lane for a dunk. Very good defender for his age, but many wonder if he may have already peaked.

Travis Knight C+ D+ D C+ C+ C

Traditional back to the basket center. Protypical size and strength in a compact, lithe frame. Good shot blocker, limited upside

Todd Fuller C C- D- C C+ B

Big body out of North Carolina State. Limited on the defensive end but easily the best footwork on the glass in the class, decent upside.