NCAA Tournament. Centers and Low Percentage Shooters to watch! March 18, 2026.

Aday Mara, a 7'3", 240-pound center at Michigan, anchors the paint as one of the most impactful defenders in the country. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and leads the conference historically in blocked shot percentage. Mara averages 11.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, using his size and timing to consistently alter possessions. He ranks third in the Big Ten in box score plus-minus, reflecting his overall impact beyond just rim protection. Offensively, he plays within his role and finishes efficiently around the basket. Scouts will continue to evaluate his mobility and how he handles pace at higher levels, but his size, production, and defensive dominance give him a clear identity as a paint anchor. Mara will turn 21 on April 5th.

Patrick Ngongba, a 6'11", 235-pound sophomore at Duke with a 7'4" wingspan, brings a strong, physical presence to the interior. He averages 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Ngongba’s game is built on strength and positioning. His thick frame allows him to “wall up” effectively in the paint, making it difficult for opponents to finish through him. He plays a traditional interior role, holding his ground defensively and providing steady production around the basket. His availability is a key storyline. Ngongba has a right foot injury. He is not expected to play in Duke’s opening tournament game, though there is optimism he could return later in the weekend. Scouts will evaluate his mobility and offensive ceiling, but his size, strength, and paint presence give him a clear role as a physical interior anchor.

Tarris Reed Jr., a 6'10", 260-pound center at Connecticut, is a physically imposing interior presence. He averages 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, while ranking second in the Big East in box score plus-minus. Reed’s game is built on strength, positioning, and interior productivity. He controls space in the paint, rebounds at a high level, and provides consistent rim protection. Offensively, he operates almost exclusively inside. He has attempted just six three-pointers in four seasons. Reed is not a standout runner or leaper, but compensates with physicality and feel. Reed fits a traditional center mold, impacting the game through toughness, rebounding, and paint presence rather than athleticism or floor spacing.

Thomas Haugh, a 6'9" forward at Florida with a 6'11" wingspan, is a highly athletic player who thrives in transition. He averages 17.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while ranking third in the SEC in box score plus-minus. Though Florida deploys him as a small forward, Haugh projects more naturally as a four at the next level. His athleticism, energy, and ability to play in space make him effective in the open floor and as a play finisher. The swing skill is his shooting. At 33.1% from three, he falls below the desired threshold, and improving his perimeter consistency will be critical to unlocking his versatility at either forward spot.

Kellen Thames, a 6'5", 200-pound wing at Saint Louis, is a highly efficient “glue” player who makes a major impact in limited minutes off the bench. He averages 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while shooting an elite 64.9% from the field, best in the Atlantic 10. Thames doesn’t rely on perimeter shooting; instead, he maximizes possessions with cutting, finishing, and activity plays. He brings energy, makes athletic plays, and consistently finds ways to contribute without needing volume. The son of a high school coach, Thames plays with a strong feel for the game. He’s one of the more under-the-radar impact players in college basketball, combining efficiency, athleticism, and role awareness.

Rashaun Agee, a 6'7", 210-pound forward at Texas A&M, is an experienced, physical presence at 25 years old. He averages 14.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while posting a strong +4.1 defensive differential. Agee’s impact starts on the glass. He is an excellent offensive rebounder who creates extra possessions and brings toughness inside. He plays with strength and maturity, using his frame well in traffic and contributing across multiple categories. He’s not a perimeter-oriented player, but his production, defensive impact, and rebounding give him a clear role.

There are plenty of other Centers and LPS players that derserve a mention. The rest of the those guys who are playing in the tournament and are in the HoopObsession.com top 60 for the 2026 Draft:

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