UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published, Cameron Fens has reportedly committed to Michael Malone and North Carolina.
As most North Carolina fans know right now, there are three centers who have been heavily linked to the program in recent weeks; Cameron Fenz, Duke Brennan and Micah Handlogten. Not long ago, I went ahead and made a push for the Tar Heels to go all-in on Handlogten, as it seemed like he'd be the best fit for what Malone needs right now, which is a bruiser near the glass.
Fast forward to present time and a change of heart has arrived. Yup, it's time for Malone to prioritize Fens, as the South Dakota big, for now, has an extra year of eligibility in front of him, and of the other options, he's the one that would make the most sense financially. Per David Sisk of 247Sports, the interest is mutual there too, which is a positive first sign.
“I was told Monday from inside the program there’s a lot more than kicking the tires of him,” Sisk said of Fens on a recent episode to the Heel Report Podcast. “They’re pretty interested and there’s some residual contact back."
UNC's center search could lead to Cameron Fens making the move to Chapel Hill
Checking in at 7-0, 255 pounds, the veteran big posted 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Sure, the competition he faced while at South Dakota doesn't match what Brennan and Handlogten did at Villanova and Florida, respectively, but Fens still has the tools to give Malone valuable minutes and be a force with his rebounding. Offensively, he can still put the ball through the hoop when his number is called too.
The important difference between Fens and Handlgoten/Brennan, is that he's going to be the more affordable option too. As much as we'd like to see Carolina be aggressive NIL wise to make either Brennan or Handlogten happen, the money simply isn't there after spending most of the budget on the other players acquired this offseason.
Is Malone really going to want to get into a bidding war with other powerhouse schools hoping to put the finishing touches on their roster as well? No shot. And we'd be stating the obvious in saying that someone who suited up in the Summit League last campaign would be the cheaper option - but that's not a knock on Fens or South Dakota at all!
It's merely the position UNC is in right now. With Alexandros Samodurov and Cade Bennerman already on campus as new centers, it's a good start for the new-look roster in trying to replace Henri Veesaar. Also, 5-star center Sayon Keita is (knock on wood) set to make the move to Chapel Hill later this month before classes get started.
More depth is still needed, which is why Malone continues to prioritize the position. With one roster spot open, it can be filled with a new 7-footer, which is something plenty of us didn't think was possible maybe three weeks ago. That's no longer the case, and Fens needs to be the one who Malone stays in consistent communication with, and who Carolina hopefully signs.
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