Chris Cenac Scouting Report
A Versatile 6’11” Big Built for Modern Basketball
Chris Cenac enters the University of Houston as a freshman with the kind of size and upside that immediately turns heads. At 6-foot-11 with long arms and a powerful frame, he already possesses the physical tools to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His mobility and fluidity are rare for a player his size, allowing him to move well laterally while still serving as a dominant presence in the paint. He has the kind of natural length and timing that makes him a reliable rim protector and an excellent rebounder, fitting perfectly into the Cougars’ tough and physical identity under Kelvin Sampson.
On offense, Cenac is most effective around the rim, where his finishing ability makes him a constant lob and put-back threat. He plays well in the pick-and-roll, setting strong screens and rolling hard to the basket to create scoring opportunities. His post game is still developing, but he has shown flashes of touch with jump hooks and drop-steps that hint at future versatility. Cenac has also started to expand his range, displaying potential as a mid-range shooter and even the ability to stretch out to the perimeter in time. His size and agility make him more than just a traditional big man, as he has the tools to become a multi-dimensional offensive weapon.
Defensively, Cenac already projects as a high-level anchor. His shot-blocking instincts and ability to alter shots in the paint immediately stand out, and his length makes him difficult to score over. While primarily a rim protector, he also has the footwork and mobility to switch onto smaller players when needed, giving him the versatility modern defenses require. On the glass, he uses his size and strength to dominate the boards, especially on the defensive end where he limits second-chance opportunities for opponents.
What sets Cenac apart, beyond his physical gifts, is his motor and mentality. He plays with energy, competes hard, and embraces the physical side of the game. Coaches rave about his coachability and his willingness to put in the work, which bodes well for his long-term development. He is still refining aspects of his game, such as his consistency at the free-throw line, his ability to make quick reads when double-teamed in the post, and his overall offensive polish. As he grows stronger and adjusts to the physicality of elite college basketball, those areas are expected to improve.
Cenac’s projection is one of a player with immediate defensive impact and long-term professional potential. Early in his college career, he is likely to be a defensive anchor, rebounder, and rim-running finisher. With time and development, he has the tools to evolve into an NBA-caliber big who can contribute as both a rim protector and a versatile scorer.
In short, Chris Cenac is a major addition for Houston and a player who embodies the program’s toughness and discipline. His combination of size, athleticism, and upside makes him one of the more intriguing freshmen in the country, and with continued development under Kelvin Sampson’s system, he could emerge as a future star in college basketball and beyond.
Scouting Report: Chris Cenac (FR) | 6-11 Forward/Center | University of Houston
Physical Attributes
Elite size at 6-11 with long arms and strong frame.
Mobile big man with good agility and fluid movement for his size.
Strong lower body base, allowing him to hold position inside.
Tremendous length, giving him natural rim protection and rebounding ability.
Offensive Game
Reliable finisher around the basket with dunks, put-backs, and touch shots.
Developing mid-range jumper and potential to stretch to the three-point line.
Shows flashes of ball-handling for his size; comfortable attacking in straight lines.
Strong screener in pick-and-roll; effective rolling hard to the rim.
Improving post game with jump hooks and drop-steps.
Defensive Impact
Natural rim protector with shot-blocking instincts.
Alters shots in the paint with size and timing.
Good mobility allows him to switch onto smaller players in spurts.
Excellent rebounder on both ends, especially defensive glass.
Physical presence that fits Houston’s defensive identity.
Intangibles
High motor and active presence in the paint.
Shows toughness and willingness to battle physically.
Coachable player with strong work ethic.
Plays with energy and fits into a team-first system.
Areas for Improvement
Needs to continue developing offensive polish in the post.
Consistency as a free-throw shooter and outside shot.
Strength and conditioning to handle elite college big men.
Decision-making under pressure (double-teams, passing out of the post).
Projection
High-level Division I contributor with pro potential.
Projects as a defensive anchor and rebounder early in his college career.
With offensive growth, could develop into an NBA-caliber big.
Final Thoughts
Chris Cenac brings Houston a perfect blend of size, athleticism, and defensive presence.
With Kelvin Sampson’s system, he’s poised to grow into a centerpiece for the Cougars.
A player to watch closely as he develops into one of the premier frontcourt talents in the country.