Michael Malone says Cameron Fens remains fully involved with UNC basketball despite his uncertain game eligibility, while the Tar Heels prepare a “next man up” plan if the veteran center cannot play.
North Carolina head coach Michael Malone offered his most extensive public comments yet Thursday on the uncertain eligibility status of veteran center Cameron Fens, making one thing abundantly clear: even while the legal process plays out, Fens remains very much a part of the Tar Heels.
Fens’ status was thrown into doubt on August 26 when the Tennessee Court of Appeals granted the NCAA’s request to stay a lower-court injunction that had allowed members of the high school class of 2022, including Fens, to pursue a fifth season of eligibility. The stay means Fens is currently unable to be counted on as eligible for games unless another ruling changes his status.
That uncertainty, however, has not removed him from Carolina’s day-to-day plans.
“Cameron is, simply stated, eligible to work out and practice and lift and condition, and he’s a huge part of our team right now,” Malone said during his September 3 press conference.
Malone emphasized that UNC’s approach toward Fens has not changed while the case remains unresolved.
“Just like every other player on our roster, we love him, we care about him, we pour into him,” Malone said, adding that he believes Fens and his family have felt that support since the seven-footer decided to join the Tar Heel program.
Fens committed to North Carolina in August after transferring from South Dakota. The 7-foot, 255-pound big man was a first-team All-Summit League selection last season after averaging 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His addition was expected to provide UNC with a veteran, physical presence in a frontcourt otherwise featuring several younger or less experienced options.
And Malone certainly sounds excited about what Fens could bring if the legal situation eventually breaks Carolina’s way.
Earlier in the same press conference, Malone described Fens as a “grown-*** man,” pointing to his size, strength, physicality and talent as qualities that differentiate him from fellow big men Sayon Keita and Alexandros Samodurov.
But Malone also knows UNC cannot build its entire plan around an outcome outside of its control.
When asked what happens if Fens ultimately cannot play, Malone’s response was immediate.
“Next man up.”
Malone specifically identified Keita, Samodurov, Cade Bennerman and Jarin Stevenson as players who could help absorb the minutes and responsibilities that would have belonged to Fens.
“We’ll figure out ways to cover up that void if indeed we are playing without Cameron Fens,” Malone said.
That contingency plan is becoming increasingly important as UNC moves toward the beginning of official practice on September 21.
For now, though, Malone appears determined not to treat Fens like a player who is already gone.
The Tar Heels will continue developing him, including him and preparing him alongside the rest of the roster while the appeals process continues.
And if the ultimate ruling does not go Carolina’s way?
Malone has already established the message.
Next man up.
