By SAM LANCE
Five-star center Chris Cenac has pledged to Kelvin Sampson and Houston, he announced on Tuesday via Instagram Live.
Cenac — the 6-foot-10, 230-pound big man out of Link Academy (MO) — chose Houston over his other finalists Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Kentucky, LSU and Tennessee.
“Coach Sampson is a great coach,” Cenac said during the announcement. “He’s a great guy. I trust him. The coaching staff. They want to get me better. They know what I need to work on to get to the next level. So I’m happy to be be with them. I trust them. And they’re a great team. I love it there. So that’s the school for me I feel like.”
This commitment now gives Houston three five-stars in the 2025 class: Cenac and guards Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings. Three-star small forward Bryce Jackson is the Cougar’s other pledge this cycle.
Houston and Duke are the nation’s only programs with three players committed from the top-20 of 247Sports’ rankings. Houston and Arkansas stand alone with two recruits secured from the top-12.
Houston's 2025 recruiting class:
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) November 26, 2024
No. 1 shooting guard @isiah_harwell1
No. 1 point guard @K1ngFlemings
No. 1 center @chriscenacjr
In Vegas terms, Kelvin Sampson just put down Trip Aces.
Cenac burst onto the scene this summer with his play, including an MVP performance at NBPA Top 100 Camp. He also played in the Puma Pro16 circuit and described his summer as overall as ‘perfect.’ Now, he’ll be after quite the accomplishment during his senior season at Link Academy.
“The main goal we all want is winning a national championship,” Cenac said. “My role on the team is to be a leader really, and just play. Just play my game and be a leader.”
Cenac, the New Orleans native, is ranked the No. 6 player in the 2025 class by 247Sports. He’s known as a versatile forward who can knock down shots from the outside and drive downhill. Cenac is a great defender as well with top-tier athleticism.
Chris Cenac Jr. just hit 12 feet on this jump.
— Sam Lance (@slancehoops) September 26, 2024
Heard a @LinkHoops coach say he’s only the second player in school history to reach this height. Cenac and Chicago Bull Julian Phillips. pic.twitter.com/m7VJf60Vgy
“Chris is an elite front court player that has a chance to be a long time NBA player with the track he is on,” Link Academy head coach Chad Myers told ZAGSBLOG. “He can push the ball in transition, initiate offense, along with being able to make threes and score in the paint. He is a physical strong athlete that can guard multiple positions and rebound outside of his area.”
Link Academy, the No. 1 ranked team in high school basketball, will take on No. 1 prospect A.J. Dybantsa and Utah Prep on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 9:15 p.m. ET and will stream on the League Ready YouTube channel.
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