20 College Basketball Centers Named to 2026 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List

Jayden Quaintance, a transfer center for the Kentucky Wildcats recovering from a knee injury, has been named to the preseason watch list for the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which honors the top center in Division I men's college basketball. Despite likely missing the first two months of the season, Quaintance's previous performance at Arizona State—averaging 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game—has positioned him as a potential top-ten NBA draft pick and a strong candidate for the award. He is among 20 players nationally recognized, including SEC players Malique Ewin, Alex Condon, and Felix Okpara, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's selection. Other notable centers on the watch list include Ernest Udeh Jr. from Miami, who has transferred from TCU and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention, and Henri Veesaar, an Arizona transfer now playing for UNC, noted for his efficient scoring and defensive skills. The award celebrates its 12th year and remains a significant marker for top centers, with players able to move on and off the watch list as the season progresses. Quaintance's inclusion despite injury underscores his potential impact once he returns to the court.