The 2025 men’s college basketball transfer portal has been a flurry of activity, with over 2,000 players seeking new homes as programs scramble to rebuild rosters for the 2025-2026 season.
Here we highlight the top five centers in the transfer portal that you need to know.
Top 5 Centers in the Transfer Portal
Aday Mara
Aday Mara, standing at 7’3” and transferring from UCLA to Michigan, is a rare talent with a high level of skill and basketball IQ. He is one of the portal’s premier big men. He averaged 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in his two seasons with the Bruins. He primarily played as a reserve.
His ability to hold opponents to 52% shooting at the rim is another factor that showcases his defensive prowess.
Nick Davidson
Nick Davidson, a 6’10” center transfer from Nevada to Clemson, offers a contemporary skill set that materializes perfectly in today’s game. He had a total average of 12.0 points and a 7.2 rebounds record last season, and he had a 37% shot from three-point range, projecting his ability to stretch the floor.
His 18.4 assist rate, of course, serves as evidence of his passing ability, and his rebounding tenacity makes Davidson a double-double threat. Clemson, coming off a 22-10 season, sees Davidson as a cornerstone for their 2025-2026 campaign.
Jarin Stevenson
Jarin Stevenson, a 6’11” forward/center transferring from Alabama to North Carolina, is a promising prospect full of potential. In his two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Stevenson had a total average of 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in limited minutes, but his defensive versatility stood out.
Capable of guarding wings, Stevenson’s length and quickness make him a rim-protecting threat. Offensively, he’s a developing threat, with a soft touch around the basket and a budding mid-range game.
Henri Veesaar
Henri Veesaar, a 6’11” center coming from Arizona to North Carolina, brings a polished skill set to the Tar Heels. The Estonian native, with a total average of 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds, played in a reserve role last season, but his upside lies in his fluidity and dynamism.
KEEP READING: Top 5 Forwards in the Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal You Need To Know About
Veesaar can score in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, and control the ball in transition, a rare skill for most centers. His 1.2 blocks per game last season showcased his defensive IQ, though he’s still developing as a rim protector.
Pape N’Diaye
Papa N’Diaye, a 6’10” center transferring from UNLV to Xavier, is another raw talent but intriguing prospect with elite defensive potential. Last season, N’Diaye had an average of 3.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 12.5 minutes per game, which portrayed his ability to alter shots and control the paint.
His 7’4” wingspan and quick feet make him a threat for opposing bigs.
With the transfer portal window set to close on Tuesday, these centers emerge as transformative additions for their new teams.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
