UNC’s projected starting five quickly looks different with Cameron Fens committing

Oh, how quickly things can change for UNC and Michael Malone thanks to a 7-0, 255-pound addition. In case you somehow missed it, former South Dakota big man Cameron Fens, given an extra season of eligibility, committed to the Tar Heels and he'll be bringing his 14.4 points per game with him. This is an exciting late addition for the roster.

Does it also shake up how North Carolina could take the floor to open games moving forward? Absolutely. Previously, we had a feeling that Alexandros Samodurov would be in the starting five for Malone and his staff. However, this new addition shifts things a bit, as there's a new-look projection we have in mind for the Tar Heels once the regular season gets here:

• Terrence Brown, Matt Able, Neoklis Avdalas, Jarin Stevenson, and Fens. This would be downright solid, while also having the option for Samodurov, Sayon Keita, and others being ready to come off the bench. In a new Inside Carolina podcast, Sherrill McMillan brought up the idea of Samodurov shifting to the four, which would make a ton of sense too.

“We’ve talked about versatility being one of the hallmarks of Malone’s roster,” McMillan said. “You keep asking what’s something we can hold our hats on that actually happens with Malone’s roster? I think you’re seeing it now. You’ve got three different kinds of center options, and you’ve got Samodurov who can now become the backup four or challenge Jarin (Stevenson) to be the starter, which probably gives Maximo Adams more time at the three. It does kind of balance the roster out a little bit.”

Cameron Fens could instantly become a UNC starter for Michael Malone next season

Fens gives Carolina a bruising force down in the paint, and it would allow Samodurov, as McMillan noted, to focus more at the power forward spot, a position he might be more comfortable with in the first place. So, at center, it would make Fens and Keita, a 5-star prospect, the main focuses, while Northwestern transfer Cade Bannerman could provide some key minutes as well.

You could make the argument that Keita should be the starter, but allow us to respectfully disagree there. He's getting ready for his first year playing in the college ranks, and there are most definitely going to be some ups and downs for him. Having Fens in town will not only help Keita's development, but also take the pressure off from him having to be a Day 1 starter.

Last season for South Dakota, Fens was stout in the low post, with his 8.7 rebounds a night also being great to see. Yes, he was suiting up in the Summit League, but the potential is there for him to be an impact player for the Tar Heels, especially if Sean May helps take his game to the next level next campaign.

With all of that said, going with Brown, Able, Avdalas, Stevenson, and Fens, at least for the start of the season, seems to make the most sense. Bring on Keita slowly and put him in a position to be the starter at the five for 2027-28, while also giving Samodurov the chance to see what he can do at the four. Fens alone opens the door for multiple changes to the lineup, which is tremendous for Malone moving forward.

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