Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (2025-26)

The following post features this year’s selections to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (2025-26).

Honoring the best at the position, the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List names the top centers heading into the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season.

Read: Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Best PGs)

Related: Karl Malone Award Watch List (Best PFs)

Some college basketball teams have an NBA-level center capable of dominating the paint. These are the centers you need to know about when betting on college basketball.

So, who are the best centers in 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 2024-25 season was a historic culmination of defensive dominance and elite efficiency at the center position. The Creighton senior won the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the nation’s top center after averaging 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, leading the Big East in blocks, rebounding, and field goal percentage. Kalkbrenner was a Second-Team All-American and earned the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year award. He became only the second player in Big East history (alongside Patrick Ewing) to win the Defensive Player of the Year award four times, and set a school record with a 49-point performance in the season opener. His two-way consistency cemented his legacy as Creighton’s all-time leader in blocks, rebounds, points, and wins played in.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee assesses the performance of the centers on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the candidates down to a smaller group of semifinalists before selecting the five finalists. The winner is chosen by a selection committee consisting of a mixture of media members and former Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award winners.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the players on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (2025-26). Click here for the official Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List.

Player Spotlights

Robbie Avila (Saint Louis Billikens)

Avila is the highly skilled transfer whose case is built on unique playmaking ability and historical efficiency for a center. As a junior, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, leading all Division I centers in both three-pointers made (1.8 per game) and assists. His primary goal this season is to leverage his reunion with coach Josh Schertz to return to his highest offensive efficiency. If Avila can maintain his role as a “point center” and lead the Billikens to an A-10 title, his highly versatile, inside-out game makes him an analytics darling and a serious contender for the award.

Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston Cougars)

Cenac Jr. is the high-ceiling freshman phenom looking to make an immediate defensive impact on a national contender. His case is built on immense physical tools and defensive versatility: he is a consensus five-star recruit (ranked the No. 1 center nationally) who is mobile, long, and projects as an elite rim protector. Cenac Jr. has already collected prestigious awards, including the NBPA Top 100 MVP. If he quickly assumes a starting role for Kelvin Sampson’s team and translates his athleticism into high block and rebound totals, his status as a key defensive anchor for a top-five team will accelerate his candidacy.

Alex Condon (Florida Gators)

Condon is the reigning national champion whose case is built on proven interior efficiency and championship impact. The junior forward/center averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season, with his 103 offensive rebounds marking the third-most in Florida history. His primary goal is to become the dominant interior leader for the Gators’ national title defense. If Condon maintains his elite rebounding and physical presence while increasing his scoring volume in a now-expanded role, his history of posting huge numbers against top-10 opponents makes him a reliable contender.

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s Red Storm)

Ejiofor enters his senior season with the ultimate “breakout” narrative, positioned for a national award after a stellar junior campaign. His case is built on leading St. John’s to its most successful season in four decades and being named the Big East Preseason Player of the Year. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, while leading the entire nation in offensive rebounding (4.4 per game). If Ejiofor successfully anchors Rick Pitino’s system, leverages his relentless motor, and turns the Red Storm into a top national team, his role as the primary interior force will strongly position him for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy.

Aday Mara (Michigan Wolverines)

Mara is the highly talented international prospect whose case is built on a massive expected sophomore leap under new head coach Dusty May. The 7’3″ Spanish center flashed unique skill last season at UCLA, particularly his elite touch around the rim (59.0% FG) and strong shot-blocking (1.6 blocks per game in just 13 minutes). If Mara can earn a consistent 25+ minute workload and fully leverage his size and passing ability in May’s system, his transformation from a limited-minute player to an offensive and defensive focal point will create a compelling narrative for voters who prioritize upside.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Winners (2015 – Present)

The table below highlights every Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying the top centers is wise when betting on college basketball. Keeping tabs on the best centers (and their teams) helps you stay on the winning side.