With the 2026-2027 high school basketball season starting in a few weeks, we’re taking a deep dive into the top players by position. Here are the sixteen (16) best centers in the Sunshine State, regardless of class. Keep in mind these players are not listed in any particular order.
By: Southeast Hoops Report
6-11 Center Lewis Uvwo, Prolific Prep (FL)- 2027
Uvwo is your traditional center where he runs the floor exceptionally well when transition allows him to get to the front of the rim and look for easy scoring opportunities on the offensive end. In a half-court set, Uvwo dominates when he has his back to the basket, where he can finish over multiple defenders with his given length and soft touch in the paint. On the defensive end, he brings a dominant presence with the ability to block and alter shots around the rim. Overall, he plays bigger than his size indicates, where he uses perfect timing to secure the rebound and knowing when to rotate defensively. Look for Uvwo to have a strong senior season for Prolific Prep this year.
6-10 Center Yohane Kabongo, DME Academy (FL)- 2027
Kabongo continues to make his presence felt when defending the rim, where he moves exceptionally well for his size. He also applies consistent pressure where he can pursue the passing lanes with his elite footwork and athleticism. On the offensive end, Kabongo is quick and uses a good burst of speed to finish above the rim over smaller defenders, as well as maintaining confidence in his mid-range game. On the defensive end, he snatches timely rebounds and has a good understanding of rotation and space, where he can challenge shots out on the perimeter. Overall, his high IQ and great feel for the game should spell an immediate impact this season, and once he gets to the next level.
7-2 Center Kimario Sherman, Westminster Academy (FL)- 2027- South Florida commit
After playing his junior season at Oak Hill Academy, Sherman makes his presence felt in the Sunshine State. He is coming off an impressive summer playing for Outside the Perimeter on the PRO16 League circuit, where he possessed great size and strength when finishing around the rim on the offensive end. He shows great footwork and can finish with either hand while being unafraid to absorb contact. He has added a soft touch when it comes to the mid-range game, where he can be effective both off the catch and off the bounce. On the defensive end, he is an anchor when it comes to controlling the paint, where he can alter shots and snatch timely rebounds.
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7-1 Center Akol Nyok, Columbus (FL)- 2027- Marquette commit
The recent Marquette commit was one of the biggest stock risers over the summer, playing for Tre Mann Elite on the PRO16 League circuit. He helped lead his team to win the PRO16 League championship in the 17U age division. On the offensive end, he operates primarily around the basket, where he uses his length to his advantage to finish lobs thrown at him at the rim as well as put backs off missed shots. He also shows impressive footwork, where he can operate with his back to the basket in post-up situations. On the defensive end, he is disciplined when it comes to altering shots around the rim without fouling. Overall, he runs the floor exceptionally well for his size and continues to show major upside every time he steps onto the floor.
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7-1 Center Charlie Cohn, Prolific Prep Regional (FL)- 2027- Boston University commit
Cohn continues to improve year in and year out, where he showcases good size, length, and frame when operating around the basket on the offensive end. He has a smooth release, scoring at a high level from 15 feet, both off the catch and off the bounce. On the defensive end, he stays active and continues to be a dominant paint presence, where he uses his length to challenge timely shots at the rim. Overall, his consistent development will be key as he transitions into the upcoming season as well as when he gets to the next level.
7-2 Center Garang Kuol, Riviera Prep (FL)- 2027
Kuol is still growing into his frame, and he possesses size that most college programs have in their rotations. On the offensive end, he brings a dominant paint presence where his length and athleticism allow him to finish over smaller defenders. On the defensive end, he is efficient when it comes to disrupting offensive flow, where his use of his wingspan comes to his advantage. He can also generate turnovers in the passing lanes, which often create transition-scoring opportunities for him and his teammates. He has also added physicality to his frame, which makes him a formidable presence in the paint, limiting the opposition’s second-chance scoring opportunities.
7-0 Center Bamba Touray, Prolific Prep (FL)- 2028
Touray plays with a great feel and understanding of the game on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, he operates most of his opportunities in the post but has gained more confidence and consistency when making timely passes to open shooters off one or two dribbles. On the defensive end, his length allows him to erase shots at the rim as well as showing elite footwork where he can switch on to opposing guards on the perimeter. In transition, he runs the floor exceptionally well for his size and finishes plays above the rim, whether it is a lob thrown at him or getting a dunk with the basketball in his hands. Overall, he is continuing to get consistent when it comes to the pick-and-roll offense, but his physical tools to finish over multiple defenders are already there. He currently holds offers from Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, among several others.
Related Story: BAMBA TOURAY TRANSFERS TO PROLIFIC PREP
7-3 Center Dylan Betts, IMG Academy (FL)- 2028
Betts is a true patient center when it comes to playing with a pure size advantage. In transition, he runs the floor exceptionally well for his size, where he can get into the open court with his long stride, finishing around the rim off the catch and off the bounce. In the half-court, Betts operates mostly around the rim, as well as having the confidence to be effective in the mid-range. On the defensive end, his length speaks volumes, as he can alter shots without needing to jump or reach for impact. As he gears up for his junior season, Betts is expected to be utilized as a screener or in pick-and-roll situations under newly hired head coach Jackson Johnson. He currently holds offers from Alabama, California, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, and several others.
7-2 Center Martin Sibal, Columbus HS (FL)- 2028
Sibal has a unique frame that gives him a huge advantage on both ends of the floor, where he can finish over almost anyone at the rim on the offensive end, as well as alter timely shots at the basket on the defensive end. Sibal will be used for pick-and-roll situations on the offensive end, where he can come off screens and finish with either hand around the rim. On the defensive end, his length will cause a matchup problem for the opposition, where he will likely be used as a rim protector, limiting second-chance scoring opportunities. Sibal came to the United States over the summer from the Czech Republic.
6-10 Center Jermaine Agyeman, Miami Palmetto HS (FL)- 2028
Agyeman is a long and athletic big man who can run the floor exceptionally well for his given size. On the offensive end, his production comes mostly inside the paint, where he can finish with either hand both off the catch and off the bounce. On the defensive end, he makes plays happen with his energy and high motor, where he is active in the passing lanes and changing momentum, with the ability to block shots at a high level. Overall, Agyeman’s physical tools on both ends of the floor continue to stand out as he is rising to the national level in the 2028 class.
6-9 Center Eghosa Odeje, Prolific Prep (FL)- 2029
Odeje is coming off a strong summer playing for the Alabama Fusion during the Grassroots circuit, where he averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 59 percent from inside the three-point line. During his freshman season, Odeje played on the Prolific Prep developmental team and made major strides, where he attacked the paint and finished around the rim with both hands. He keeps possessions alive with the ability to attack the glass with his athleticism and high motor. On the defensive end, his length is often used to his advantage, where he can guard multiple positions, pursue the passing gaps, and limit the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities.
6-10 Center Jalil Hill, Fleming Island HS (FL)- 2029
Hill played significant minutes last season as a freshman, when Fleming Island made an appearance in the Class 5A championship game. On the offensive end, he can attack the basket off the bounce, where his athleticism allows him to be explosive when finishing at the rim. He is also unafraid when it comes to stretching the floor, knocking down shots in the mid-range as well as at the perimeter. On the defensive end, his near 7-foot wingspan allows him to anchor the paint, where he patrols around the basket as a rim protector. Hill also showcases that he can make plays happen outside the paint on the defensive end. Overall, his high motor and willingness to make an impact on both ends of the floor speak volumes about his ceiling going into his sophomore season.
6-9 Center Chudier Diew Yak, Montverde Academy (FL)- 2029
Yak is a perennial lob threat in the paint where he can finish effectively with either hand on the offensive end. His ability to run the floor in transition as well as in the half-court sets has vastly improved since the beginning of his freshman season. He has great passing skills for a big man out of the post, which shows his true court vision that a lot of centers his age don’t have. The next phase in Yak’s true game would be to expand his offensive skill set to become more consistent when shooting from the mid-range before eventually expanding to the perimeter. Look for Yak to play significant minutes this upcoming season at Montverde Academy.
6-9 Center Joel Patrick, Montverde Academy (FL)- 2028
Patrick operates primarily as a traditional post player with clear modern big-man potential. His game hinges on strong interior defense and opportunistic scoring around the rim. On offense, he is most effective in the pick-and-roll as a screener and rim runner, showing good hands on rolls to the basket. On the offensive end, he has a soft touch and demonstrates the ability to put the ball on the deck for one or two dribbles against smaller defenders. On the defensive end, provides verticality at the rim, contesting shots without fouling excessively, and his defensive rebounding is a real asset. He communicates coverages with his teammates and shows a willingness to step out on the perimeter for short stretches to guard switches, indicating developing versatility.
Related Story: JOEL PATRICK TRANSFERS TO MONTVERDE ACADEMY
6-9 Center Miles Lowe, Riviera Prep (FL)- 2029
Lowe is an emerging prospect who is already gaining Division-1 offers from notable schools such as Mississippi State, Villanova, Virginia Tech, and several others. On the offensive end, he is not your traditional back-to-the-basket type center, as he can knock down shots from the perimeter. On the defensive end, he makes plays happen with his given length and versatility, where he can block shots at the rim, as well as showcase his elite footwork when defending smaller guards. Overall, he stays engaged on both ends of the floor, where he can be effective when it comes to rebounding outside his area and running the floor effectively in transition.
6-10 Center Kymany Bango, Jones (Orlando) (FL)- 2029
Bango brings high-level size and athleticism, while a lot of prospects his age are still growing into their frame. On the offensive end, he plays with length and a high motor, which allows him to finish fluidly around the rim and occasionally be a mid-range scoring threat. On the defensive end, he is versatile, as he can guard multiple positions, showcase his elite footwork, and rebound from both sides of the basket. Overall, Bango is far from finished as a prospect, and his ceiling continues to rise along with the growth in his game.
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Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).