Eric Leibe, the second-best center in the class, made headlines for his contributions to UConn, helping Dan Hurley and the Huskies score a big win by earning their second top-25 pick in the 2025 class. Leibe, a versatile 7-foot center, chose UConn over powerhouse programs like Kansas, Creighton, Indiana and Oregon, citing UConn’s strong track record in player development and recent success in sending players to the NBA as key factors in his decision. I cited this as a reason.
A native of Germany, Leibe traveled to Switzerland and Maryland, focusing on finding a program that prioritized the development of big men over geography. He models his game after star players such as: Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Jokic, Dirk Nowitzki, Bam Adebayo, kevin durantand anthony davis.
Raibe, ranked No. 23 in ESPN’s 2025 rankings, is known for his well-rounded game with ability to shoot, pass and defend, making him a coveted prospect.
Last August, on behalf of Under Armor’s Elite 24, Leibbe spoke to HoopsHype about his playing style as a big player who can pass, dribble, and shoot, improving his defense, and his experiences moving around the world. .
Under Armor – Elite 24
ER: That’s my versatility. He does a lot of pick-and-pop, pick-and-roll, and can also shoot, dribble, and pass. He can play defense and he can turn on the guard.
ER: I mean, I’m a Porzingis type of player and that’s what people compare me to. The biggest thing I have to work on is defense. Getting blocks outside the area, getting rebounds outside the area, those kinds of defenses.
Under Armor – Elite 24
ER: I don’t see many rankings like that. Every site has its own person who does that. There’s a lot of politics behind it. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that I can influence. In reality, the best players are not necessarily ranked the highest. It’s more about everything and connections and things like that. So I don’t really care because it’s not that important to me. I just want to play my game.
ER: The ability to play right away as a freshman, there’s a place for the big men, a place for them to be involved in the offense and a place for me to grow and compete. I looked at college programs that are used to sending big-time players into the league.
Stacey Revere/Getty Images
ER: Kristaps Porzingis has height and skill. Some people compare me a little bit to Jokic, but to me it’s mostly Porzingis.
Under Armor – Elite 24
ER: No, I was born in Germany. I lived there until I was 8 years old and then moved to Switzerland where I started playing basketball. When I was 14 years old, I returned to Germany alone. Then when I was 16, I moved here to Maryland. My family is still in Germany.
ER: My passing. His ability to pass from the top of the key, from the low post, to the corners, to the backdoor, all that kind of stuff.
Under Armor – Elite 24
ER: Obviously Porzingis. I’m looking at how Jokic is involved in the offense. I watch old Dirk Nowitzki movies and watch a few Bam movies. [Adebayo]and his subordinate work, that sort of thing. I also watch KD a lot. [Kevin Durant] And Anthony Davis’s.
ER: In German history, he’s Dirk Nowitzki. I always have to say Michael Jordan.
