Does Okafor even count as a true center? As for Shaq and Duncan, Shaq had 2 other NBA players on his team and didn't make a final four. Duncan also did little in the tournament. It's just tough for big men to do in college what they can in the NBA. Anyway, here's another article comparing Oden statistically to other great centers in college: http://www.hoopsanalyst.com/0607ew5.htm Oden comes out quite well. (Durant is also a part of the article and he comes off quite well against other SFs too. I don't think anyone should question that they are both rare prospects)
I just watched Oden in yesterday's Ohio State versus Michigan State game. I was quite impressed by Oden's timing on blocks, jump hooks, and the ability to shoot free throws with his off hand. He will be a factor in the NBA. However, after watching him, my gut feeling tells me that he will also experience the physical constraints of being over 7 foot. His stamina, his lateral speed, and other things will be aspects that he would need to address. Howard and Amare on the other hand, are athletic freaks with the perfect height and balance that does not prohibit them from exhibiting jaw dropping plays. It will be interesting to see which type of big men will prevail as the dominant prototype of centers in the next ten years, as Yao and Oden take on the likes of Amare and Howard.
