2026 NBA Draft Profile

Overview
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Chris Cenac Jr. was a five-star recruit out of Link Academy in high school and was invited to the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit. He spent his freshman year with Houston, averaging 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.7 assists and 0.5 blocks across 24.8 minutes per game over 37 outings (36 starts). He shot 48.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from downtown on limited attempts in his lone collegiate campaign. The 6-foot-11 big man also brings international experience, as he competed in the FIBA U17 World Cup event in 2024. 

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Analysis
Cenac’s shooting numbers don’t pop off the page, though he possesses a strong frame and solid mobility that allow him to get to the rim. The big man can also hit mid-range jumpers and has shown flashes of three-point potential, connecting on at least two triples nine times in the 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old provides consistent effort defensively and brings strong rebounding instincts, while his offensive development will be key to taking the next step as a productive two-way big. 

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Projection
Cenac remains a somewhat raw offensive prospect but has the potential to become a more well-rounded scorer over time, particularly if his outside shot continues to progress. He can provide an immediate rebounding boost while his offensive game matures, and his combination of size, mobility and shooting upside draws comparisons to Kel’el Ware.

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Career Highlights

• 2025-26 NABC All-Gulf District Second Team selection.
• 2024-25 McDonald’s High School All-American.
• Won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Cup.
• Ranked the No. 6 prospect by ESPN in the Class of 2025.
• MVP of the 2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp.

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Freshman (2025-26)

• Ranked seventh in the Big 12 in rebounding (7.9 rpg).
• First freshman to lead Houston in rebounding since 2011-12.
• First Houston freshman to record a double-double in a season opener since 1999 (vs. Lehigh on Nov. 3).
• Grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds vs. Idaho in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (March 19).
• Posted 17 points and 14 rebounds against Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals (March 13).
• Helped Houston advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

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Strengths

• Long, fluid big man with a versatile skill set.
• Protects the rim and switches onto smaller players.
• Dynamic finisher as a lob and roll threat.
• Solid ball skills and passing instincts for his size.

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Personal

• Attended the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans at the same time as Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
• Coached by former NBA guard Randy Livingston at Isidore Newman.

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Go Figure
Cenac recorded a team-high six double-doubles in 2025-26, the fourth most by a Houston freshman in a season.

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Quotable
“He’s never had one ounce of bad body language. He’s never, ever been late. He’s always one of the first ones there, last ones to leave. He’s like a huge sponge. Wherever he’s playing in the NBA down the road, that team is going to be lucky to get him.”
— Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson

— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide