As with many notable programs, North Carolina Basketball found itself in the 5-for-5 senior year sweepstakes of teams looking for another year. They had an extra roster spot available, and the biggest need was clearly at center. The backcourt, led by the transfer trio of Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, and Matt Able, and forward Jarin Stevenson returning, all eyes were on the five-spot.
It’s not that the Tar Heels didn’t have players committed. They landed two notable international prospects in Alex Samodurov and 7'0 Sayon Keita, with Keita having plenty of hype as a potential future NBA Draft pick. However, with his process to join the team still going through the NCAA and neither having experience with American college basketball, adding a big man who has played over here made sense.
There were some rumored options online, including former Florida big man Micah Handlogen being a possible candidate. But UNC made its decision on who would take up the final spot on the roster this weekend.
NEWS: 7-foot South Dakota transfer center Cameron Fens has committed to North Carolina, his rep Craig Owens of Ecos Group tells @On3.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) August 7, 2026
The senior big man averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this past season, earning First Team All-Summit League and Summit… pic.twitter.com/KxfLq2DRPY
Cameron Fens is a 6’10 big man who spent the first two years at Illinois-Chicago, with little production shown. He transferred to South Dakota, where he became an effective starter and overall contributor. In 32 games started, Fens produced career-high numbers of 14.4 ppg and 8.7 rpg, along with 1.5 blocks per game.
The All-Summit League big man produced 12 double-doubles, including five straight during league play. Fens best game came against Kansas City, going for a career-high of 31 points and 15 rebounds. He operates strictly within the arc and provides some interior defense.
But in an ideal scenario, the Tar Heels don’t see much of Fens. He may ultimately not see his game translate to the ACC level, but Keita still has the highest ceiling of any player. Yet he too isn’t a proven commodity until November gets here. UNC will see most of its offense come via the perimeter anyway, so any production from Fens should come as a bonus.
It’s hard to see the Tar Heels add anyone else at this point for the 2026-27 season. Fens may not have the biggest of roles overall, but it doesn’t hurt to have depth at center. It won’t be as good of a frontcourt as the Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesar duo from last season, but collectively, they should be able to do a good enough job.Â
Add us as a preferred source on Google