Like many notable programs across college basketball, North Carolina found itself in the 5-for-5 senior-year sweepstakes, searching for another veteran piece to complete its roster. The Tar Heels had one scholarship spot remaining, and their biggest need was obvious: the center position. With the backcourt featuring transfer additions Terrence Brown, Neoklis Avdalas, and Matt Able, along with Jarin Stevenson returning at forward, attention quickly shifted toward the five spot.
It’s not as if the Tar Heels lacked options at center. UNC brought in two highly regarded international prospects in Alex Samodurov and 7’0″ Sayon Keita, with Keita generating plenty of excitement as a potential future NBA Draft selection. However, with Keita’s process of joining the program still moving through the NCAA and neither player having experience in American college basketball, adding an experienced big man familiar with the college game made plenty of sense.
Several names had surfaced online as potential options, including former Florida big man Micah Handlogten. However, UNC ultimately made its decision on who would occupy the final roster spot this weekend.
Cameron Fens is a 6’10” big man who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Illinois-Chicago, where he produced limited numbers. After transferring to South Dakota, however, Fens developed into an effective starter and reliable contributor. In 32 starts, he posted career-best averages of 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while also recording 1.5 blocks per contest.
The All-Summit League big man finished with 12 double-doubles, including a stretch of five consecutive double-doubles during conference play. His best individual performance came against Kansas City, when he established career highs with 31 points and 15 rebounds. Fens primarily operates inside the arc and also gives the Tar Heels an additional presence defensively around the basket.
Ideally, though, North Carolina won’t need to rely heavily on Fens. There is a possibility his game may not translate perfectly to the ACC level, while Keita arguably possesses the highest ceiling of any of the team’s options. Still, Keita remains an unproven commodity until November arrives and he gets his first opportunity to play college basketball. With much of UNC’s offensive production expected to come from the perimeter, anything Fens provides should be viewed as a valuable bonus.
At this stage, it would be difficult to envision the Tar Heels adding another player for the 2026-27 season. Fens may not have a major role when everything is said and done, but having additional depth at center is certainly a positive. The frontcourt may not match last season’s Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesar combination, but collectively, North Carolina should have enough pieces to get the job done.
