Cenac is still deciding between returning to Houston in 2026-27 and entering the 2026 NBA Draft, his father, Chris Sr., told Chron on Tuesday. An official announcement on Cenac’s future is expected in the first two weeks of April. 

“He’s taking some time after the [Sweet 16] to take a breath, see what he wants to do,” Chris Sr. said of his son, a five-star recruit for the Cougars before the 2025-26 season. “We’ll know and decide in the next couple weeks.”

Cenac, 18, was Houston’s highest-ranked recruit entering 2025-26, a five-star, 6-foot-11 center from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans (and later Link Academy in Branson, Missouri). He didn’t earn an All-American or All-Big 12 honor in his freshman season, though he was a leading contributor in the frontcourt with 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, including 37 rebounds over three NCAA tournament games. Cenac drew major praise earlier this month from Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, who highlighted Cenac’s emotional and physical development since arriving on Houston’s campus one year ago. 

“Chris has grown in every area. Freshmen are a different species. They’re different than anybody else,” Sampson said. “We just had to wait for Chris to progress. 

“I’m proud of Chris’ growth in every area. He’s found something he can be good at in rebounding. … Chris’ growth, especially in the rebounding has given him a sense of self-worth. Success is the biggest motivator for self-esteem, and I feel like, right now, Chris’ self-esteem is very high.”

Cenac could compete for an All-American honor if he returns to Houston for a sophomore season. But does a greater challenge await at the next level? A multi-million-dollar opportunity likely looms. 

Cenac is projected by basketball analysts as a likely draft pick outside the lottery—picks No. 1 through No. 14—with ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projecting him as the No. 22 selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. Similarly, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has Cenac slotted as the No. 23 pick. Fellow Houston freshman Kingston Flemings projects to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 draft. Cenac very well could join Flemings as a fellow first-rounder, becoming the fourth pair of first-round picks in the same year in Houston history. 

The 2026 NBA Draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25-26. Cenac has until April 16 to declare for the draft, and he can rescind his declaration as late as May 27.Â