Houston freshman big man Chris Cenac Jr. has decided to enter the 2026 NBA draft, he confirmed today on Instagram. Although Cenac has the option of testing the draft waters while maintaining his NCAA eligibility, his announcement doesn’t say anything about taking that route, so it sounds like he’s committed to going pro.
Cenac had an impressive 2025/26 season for the Cougars, starting 36 of 37 games and averaging 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per contest. The 6’11” forward/center also flashed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down 30-of-90 three-point attempts (33.3%), and averaged a double-double (10.0 PPG, 12.3 RPG) in three NCAA tournament games.
According to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 (Twitter link), Cenac is viewed by many NBA executives as a probable top-20 pick in the 2026 draft.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has the 19-year-old ranked 18th overall in his latest big board update, writing that Cenac took some important steps forward as a freshman and has intriguing tools, but “remains a ways from being ready to add value in an NBA game.” Still, he did a good job handling physicality during his first college season and looks like one of the top bigs in this year’s draft class, Woo adds.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has Cenac coming off the board at No. 25 in his latest mock, suggesting that his draft slot may ultimately come down to a team’s belief in his potential as a shooter.
I like his game and size. Outside shooting needs some work but I can see him being selected by Toronto who need a backup with Poeltl being hurt this year. Good looking career.
I hope he can find a jumpshot or he is the next Stromile Swift.
If he came back to Houston, he could probably be a top-3 Evan Mobley type pick. Needs to showcase his offense more.