After the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its Players Association expired this morning at 12:01 a.m., the attention paid to college basketball throughout the 2011-12 season could be at an all-time high.  Several players (Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes and Perry Jones, III, to name a few) who were expected to leave school early and enter the 2011 NBA Draft opted to stick around campus.  While those are obvious names to follow in the upcoming NCAA men’s basketball season, here are the top centers in the college ranks next season.  Earlier this week, we looked at the top guards and the top forwards.

Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt, Senior – An outstanding shot-blocker and an imposing physical presence in the painted area, Festus Ezeli became one of the top big men in college basketball as a junior last season.  The 6-11, 255 lb., center became an integral part of Vanderbilt’s second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in 2011.  While he must continue to develop his low-post game to improve as an NBA prospect, his ability to use his size and athleticism to score the ball efficiently at the college level is undeniable.  The senior already ranks among the best shot-blockers in the country and has improved both his efficiency and productivity in each of his three years at Vanderbilt.  With guard John Jenkins and forward Jeff Taylor both returning to the Commodores, expect to see that trend continue in 2011-12.

Joshua Smith, UCLA, Sophomore – Few players in college basketball have the sheer size that UCLA center Joshua Smith possesses, but the sophomore-to-be is far more than size alone.  The 6-10, 280 lb., big man shows very good feet, outstanding hands and a soft touch around the rim, making him extremely tough to stop in the low post.  After suffering a catastrophic knee injury as a senior in high school, Smith struggled out of the gate for the Bruins, but finished the season strong, scoring in double-digits in 14 of his last 18 games while proving to be a dominant offensive rebounder throughout the course of the season (3.5, in just 21.7 minutes, per game).  {AUTHOR_BOX}

Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, Senior – Some might say it is about time (injuries slowed his progress as a freshman and sophomore), but Tyler Zeller finally turned his immense talent into outstanding productivity during his junior season at North Carolina.  Listed at nearly seven-feet tall and weighing in around 250 lbs., Zeller displays remarkable mobility and skill for a player of his size.  Last season he led the Tar Heels in scoring (15.7 points per game) while ranking second on the squad in rebounds (7.2) and blocked shots (1.2) as UNC rebounded from a disappointing 2009-10 season to advance to the Elite Eight of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.  His ability to run the floor and score with his back to the basket will help Zeller continue to be one of the most productive center in college basketball this season.

Patric Young, Florida, Sophomore – While his freshman campaign at Florida wasn’t impressive statistically speaking, sophomore Patric Young is extremely talented and primed to help the Gators make another deep run in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.  As a freshman, the 6-9, 245 lb., center played on a loaded Florida team with an outstanding back court (Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker) and a deep front court (Alex Tyus, Chandler Parson and Vernon Macklin) which limited his minutes and touches during his first year on campus.  Extremely athletic with an NBA frame, expect to see Young’s role and game expand this season.  Already a good rebounder and shot blocker, he is also a burgeoning offensive player who will blossom into one of the best big men in the country in 2011-12.

Mouphtaou Yarou, Villanova, Junior – Playing in an offense geared heavily towards its perimeter players under Coach Jay Wright, Mouphtaou Yarou may never be as statistically productive as one might expect from a player of his caliber.  That being said, Yarou will play a much bigger role in the Villanova offense this season and is set to become a household name amongst college basketball fans this season.  At 6-10, 250 lbs., Yarou began playing basketball in 2004 and remains somewhat raw heading into his junior campaign.  He has an NBA body with great length, solid athleticism and a solid skill level, particularly for a player with his size and lack of experience.  As he gets more time on the basketball court, look for Yarou to blossom into a dominant post player on both ends of the floor this season.

Names to watch:  Fab Melo, Syracuse, Sophomore; Kenny Frease, Xavier, Senior; Reggie Johnson, Miami, Junior; Ralph Sampson, III, Minnesota, Senior; Robert Sacre, Gonzaga, Senior