Introduction to Chris Cenac Jr.
The University of Houston’s basketball team has a new addition that’s making waves: Chris Cenac Jr., a 6-foot-11 freshman center. Cedric Lath, a 6-foot-9 freshman, has had the opportunity to practice with Cenac and notes that things have changed in the front court. "He’s really different," Lath says. "J’Wan (Roberts) wasn’t shooting from there." Cenac’s ability to shoot 3-pointers is a game-changer, and he’s already impressing his coaches and teammates.
A New Dimension to the Court
Cenac is a floor spacer and rim rattler, with the ability to shoot from both inside and outside the paint. This makes him a unique player, and his coach, Kelvin Sampson, is excited to see how he’ll develop. Sampson has a reputation for being a defensive wizard, but with Cenac on the team, he’s looking forward to exploring new strategies on offense. Cenac’s skills are reminiscent of Anthony Davis, and he’s been working to develop his game with the help of his dad, Chris Cenac Sr.
Learning from the Best
Cenac has been working out with Hakeem Olajuwon, a basketball legend and one of the Top 10 NBA players of all time. Olajuwon has been teaching Cenac mid-post moves and emphasizing the importance of being decisive on the court. Cenac has also been working with Jarace Walker, a former UH player who was a Top 10 NBA Draft pick. Walker has been sharing his experiences with Cenac, including what to expect from Coach Sampson and how to navigate the college game.
A Driven Player
Cenac is a driven player who is motivated to succeed. He was left off the final roster of the USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team, which taught him a valuable lesson. "It taught me you can’t take anything for granted," Cenac says. This experience has fueled his determination to work hard and prove himself. Cenac is already making an impact on the team, and his teammates are taking notice. "Chris is a really good player," Lath says. "He’s going to really help us win. He continues to impress me."
The Importance of Adaptability
Cenac’s ability to adapt to different situations on the court is key to his success. He knows how to take advantage of mismatches, whether it’s taking a smaller defender inside or forcing a bigger defender to go outside. This versatility makes him a challenging player to guard, and his teammates are already seeing the benefits of having him on the court. "He makes you move a lot to keep up with him," Lath says with a laugh.
Conclusion
Chris Cenac Jr. is a talented player who is bringing a new dimension to the University of Houston’s basketball team. With his ability to shoot from both inside and outside the paint, he’s a game-changer. Cenac’s determination and drive are impressive, and he’s already making an impact on the team. As he continues to develop and learn from the best, he’s sure to be a player to watch in the upcoming season. With the guidance of Coach Sampson and the support of his teammates, Cenac is poised to take the college basketball world by storm.
