"You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who plays harder on a play-to-play basis than Ejiofor, who was a one-man wrecking crew in the St. John's frontcourt a season ago. The former top-50 recruit exploded in his first season as a full-time starter and was a huge reason for Rick Pitino's team's growth into a title contender. If he takes another jump this year, watch out."
"Bittle feels like he has been in college basketball forever, but finally put it all together last season en route to averaging 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game. He's outstanding at using his size and length to deter shots at the rim, and offensively his ability to stretch the floor creates tons of mismatches for the Ducks."
"The 7' 1" Ivisic was awesome in his first season of college hoops, and buzz out of Champaign, Ill., is that he has made a significant leap entering Year 2. While not the physical post-scoring five Illinois once had in Kofi Cockburn, Ivisic presents plenty of problems for opposing defenses. He's an elite pick-and-pop threat and showed some serious flashes as a passer from the high post last season. Expect him to be among the Big Ten's best in 2025-26."
Center group features a deep pool including elite freshmen, top transfers, and breakout candidates projected to play the majority of their minutes at center. Ejiofor emerged as a relentless, high-effort interior force who exploded as a full-time starter and anchored St. John's improved frontcourt under Rick Pitino. Bittle provided 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game while using size and length to deter shots and stretching the floor offensively. Ivisic, a 7'1" freshman, excelled as a pick-and-pop threat and high-post passer and projects as a top Big Ten center. Consistent low-post scorers like Ike average near 17 points and seven rebounds.
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