Top 5 centers in Big 12 to watch out for during 2024-25 college basketball season ft. Hunter Dickinson
The best center in college basketball hails from the Big 12. In an evolving game, few teams have the luxury of highly skilled and massive centers. But several Big 12 squads have standouts of either great potential or already impressive production. Here are the top five centers of the Big 12 heading into the 2024-25 basketball season.
Top 5 centers in Big 12 to watch out for during 2024-25 season
5. Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Arizona lost massive 7-footer Oumar Ballo to the transfer portal. His likely replacement is even bigger. 7-foot-2 Lithuanian Krivas is a work in progress, but a fascinating one. As a frosh, Krivas averaged 5.4 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game.
With another season of college under his belt, Krivas will improve on impressive rebounding and shooting touch. If he can use his immense physical gifts, Krivas could be a surprise star of the Big 12.
4. Dishon Jackson, Iowa State
A transfer from Charlotte, the 6-foot-10 Jackson is something of a wild card. A year ago at a lower level of competition, he averaged 11.4 ppg and 6.1 rpg. It's an open question as to how Jackson's physicality will work in the Big 12.
But Jackson flourished well above his prior work last season and shows signs of being the type of late bloomer who could continue to rise. Iowa State will give Jackson an opportunity to be a breakthrough star.
3. Norchad Omier, Baylor
Omier is just 6-foot-7. But the undersized center, who will likely be called a forward by Baylor, has completed four consecutive seasons of averaging double-digit rebounding per game. Omier began at Arkansas State and played at Miami over the last two seasons.
Last year, Omier averaged 17.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg. He also connected on 35% of his 3-point tries a year ago. Omier will be undersized still, but he could be one of the toughest low-post matchups in the Big 12.
2. Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State
Quaintance was the nation's No. 2 center recruit in this year's class. He's only 6-foot-9, but has a massive wing span and isn't enough of a perimeter threat to be a true power forward. Quaintance was committed to Kentucky before John Calipari left. He decommitted, but chose not to follow Calipari to Arkansas.
At Arizona State, Qutaintance can build the role he wants. At this point, he's more of an open-floor threat and rebounding menacing. But he could develop quickly at the collegiate level.
1. Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
The top center in the nation is Kansas's returnee, Hunter Dickinson. A year ago, Dickinson transferred from Michigan to Kansas. Dickinson scored 17.9 ppg and grabbed 10.9 rpg for the Jayhawks a season ago.
In his college career, Dickinson has scored 2,208 points and snagged 1,148 rebounds. He is also a 36% 3-point shooter. Dickinson is an impact player at both ends of the floor and will likely be without equal, not just in the conference, but in the nation.
Which Big 12 big men are you looking to see this coming season? Let us hear your thoughts below in our comments section!