Insider Special: Top 10 C's

Every year we say the same thing about the upcoming class of draft-eligible centers: Coming up with a Top 10 centers list isn't easy. After you get past one or two, you have to start making stuff up.

The good news this year is we've come up with five legitimate NBA center candidates. Honestly, that's unusually high for a draft. Now here's the tough part: pronouncing their names. America just doesn't produce good big men these days. Blame it on NAFTA or "outsourcing," but if an NBA team really wants an upgrade in the middle, it has to import one.

This year the top centers in the draft have names like Podkolzine, Araujo and Seung Jin. As the world gets smaller, the names just keep getting longer.

TOP 10 CENTERS
Rank Name Ht, Wt - Age School/Team/Country
1. Pavel Podkolzine 7-5, 300 - 19 Russia
The Russian giant impressed people at the Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, last month, but his workouts have been up and down. He could go anywhere. Draft range: 5-20.
2. Rafael Araujo 6-11, 280 - 25 BYU
Was one of the few dominant centers in college basketball. Has had great workouts. His stock is on the rise. Draft range: 12-21.
3. Robert Swift 7-1, 245 - 18 Bakersfield, Calif.
Hasn't worked out for anyone, raising speculation that he already has a promise. Draft range: 14-24.
4. Peter John Ramos 7-3, 266 - 19 Puerto Rico
Has been dominant in Puerto Rican league lately. Workouts haven't gone as well. He's all over the charts -- some love him, some hate him. Draft range: 15-29.
5. David Harrison 7-0, 260 - 21 Colorado
He's big and pretty athletic. Questions about his head hurt his stock, as have inconsistent workouts. Draft range: 25-40.
6. Ha Seung Jin 7-4, 325 - 19 South Korea
Is huge and has improved a lot over the past year. But does he know how to play? Draft range: 28-45.
7. Jackson Vroman 6-11, 226 - 19 Iowa State
Has played well at both pre-draft camps. Very active and shows the ability to score. Draft range: 40-59.
9. Nigel Dixon 6-11, 320 - 22 Western Kentucky
Was pretty impressive at Portsmouth Invitational. If he can stay in shape, could be a late steal. Draft range: 40-undrafted.
9. John Edwards 7-0, 265 - 22 Kent State
Big guy played well enough in Chicago to get a look in the second round. Draft range: 40-undrafted.
10. Cleiton Sebastio 7-0, 280 - 22 Brazil
Built like an offensive lineman, and plays like one too. Draft range: 40-undrafted.