On The Bulls Eye: College Center Watch 2026 ...Middle East

I’m not normally the kind of guy who advocates that a team prioritize position over player — except when it comes to our Chicago Bulls’ current “brain” “trust” (I don’t remember who first made that joke, probably our guys at BlogABull) of president Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley.

It seems like nearly every darn year, they draft a raw, athletic forward. Happily, 2024 first-round pick Matas Buzelis is looking like a true-blue keeper. And I do have to concede that one of the few times they drafted a non-forward, it was 3-and-D fan favorite reserve shooting guard Ayo Dosunmu.

But it’s time that Chicago look for a center. AKME whiffed on selecting Derik Lively out of Maryland this year, instead bringing aboard… you guessed it, another raw, athletic forward in Noa Essengue. The 6-foot-8 Frenchman wasn’t even a part of Billy Donovan‘s rotations, but he still managed to suffer a season-ending shoulder injury. Not ideal. Lively, meanwhile, looks like a mini-Alperen Sengun over in New Orleans.

Instead of adding more Noa Essengues, Dalen Terrys and Julian Phillipses to this roster, it’s time that the Bulls focus on their clearest personnel need: a Nikola Vucevic replacement.

The 35-year-old big has found himself in the eye of the storm when it comes to trade rumors, with the Feb. 5 deadline now just two weeks away. This being the Bulls, though, a counterintuitive rumor has surfaced that Chicago might actually extend him again. Vucevic likely would rather sign with a team that can at least make the playoffs — where he might not even start — but if the Bulls try to overpay him again, he may just take the cash.

So how can Bulls fans check out some of the best centers likely to be on the board for Chicago in the first round? Let’s dive in.

The Chicago Bulls Draft Board

Best-Case Scenario: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston

A big guy with a handle! Sounds familiar. The 6-foot-11 freshman is rapidly rising up mock draft leaderboards, and for good reason: he’s the best player on one of college basketball’s best teams, and boasts the kind of multifaceted game necessary to be an elite center at the next level.

Would draft this dude (and Chris Cenac Jr) VERY highTo be able to do all of this on a 17-1 team that is getting coached as hard as they are, there is nothing these young dudes can’t do Just feels like this has WINNER(S) written all over it pic.twitter.com/KzhISmZHZs

In 18 healthy bouts for the 17-1 Cougars, Cenac has been averaging 9.6 points on .493/.385/.615 shooting splits, 7.6 boards, 0.9 dimes (I said he had a handle, I didn’t say he could pass), 0.7 steals and 0.5 rejections a night.

The kid is already a problem, and would fit nicely both alongside Matas Buzelis and within Billy Donovan’s preferred high-octane, downhill offenses.

Houston Cougars (17-1) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-4)United Supermarkets Arena – Lubbock, TXDate: January 24, 2026Tip-Off: 5:30 PM CT Where to Watch: ESPN

Houston Cougars (17-1) at TCU Horned Frogs (12-7)Schollmaier Arena – Fort Worth, TXDate: January 28, 2026Tip-Off: 8 PM CT Where to Watch: ESPN2

Worst-Case Scenario: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

I’m aligned with Josh on this being the worst-case scenario for Chicago. Quaintance, a 6-foot-10 Kentucky sophomore, has been out since Jan. 7 due to swelling in a knee that’s already needed surgery to address a torn ACL and meniscus, plus a fracture.

Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman is dubious as to whether the sophomore will even return this year. Considered the top 2026 center prospect before the season, his health issues will likely lead to a slide. Chicago should be able to snag him in the late lottery, if the Bulls can stomach the injury red flags.

Quaintance, who was named to the 2024-25 Big 12 All-Defensive Team while at Arizona State, has averaged 5.0 points on 57.1 percent shooting from the field and 5.0 rebounds per game — in his four healthy appearances this season. He’s also posted a 2021 Playoff Ben Simmons-esque 30.8 percent shooting from the foul line. He doesn’t shoot triples or pass, meaning his offense is a bit more limited compared to some of the competition.

On the plus side, Quaintance can create a bit off the bounce, and appears to have improved his bag when it comes to cultivating real estate to get a shot off in traffic.

Keeping a close eye on Jayden Quaintance’s driving development. Some promising things so far, getting low with his handle while changing direction. Navigating space off the dribble much better than last year. pic.twitter.com/ZvyAiUDSHg

So will fans be able to watch him during either of Kentucky’s upcoming games? Who knows? This guy should be an absolute stay-away for AKME.

Kentucky Wildcats (13-6) vs Ole Miss Rebels (11-8)Rupp Arena – Lexington, KYDate: January 24, 2026Tip-Off: 11 AM CT Where to Watch: ESPN

Kentucky Wildcats (13-6) at Vanderbilt Commodores (16-3)Memorial Gymnasium – Nashville, TNDate: January 27, 2026Tip-Off: 8 PM CT Where to Watch: ESPN

Realistic Consolation Prize: Aday Mara, Michigan

Mara’s defensive upside is intriguing, and he’s certainly worth a flier. But his inconsistent motor during his UCLA days turned me off; I’ve never quite loved his Michigan reclamation project.

He’s also a bit of a stringbean. And, with most players taller than seven feet flat in the NBA, that physical profile has led to long-term health issues.

Fun defense here by Aday Mara with the closeout, forcing the drive baseline, repositioning for the block, and repeating it all. pic.twitter.com/vFopF0hNXe

Again, at this point, I want the Bulls to draft a center. If it has to be Aday Mara, then so be it.

In fairness, the 7-foot-3 Spaniard has improved by leaps and bounds post-Mick Cronin. During his debut season for the Wolverines, the junior is averaging a career-best 10.9 points on 67.5 percent shooting from the field (and a Ben Wallace-esque 44.3 percent from the foul line, but still), 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.4 assists a night.

Michigan Wolverines (17-1) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (13-5)Crisler Center – Ann Arbor, MIDate: January 23, 2026Tip-Off: 7 PM CT Where to Watch: Fox

Michigan Wolverines (17-1) vs Nebraska Cornhuskers (19-0)Crisler Center – Ann Arbor, MIDate: January 27, 2026Tip-Off: 6 PM CT Where to Watch: Peacock

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