UNC basketball adds 7-foot transfer portal player to frontcourt. What we know

North Carolina added another piece to its retooled frontcourt Monday, landing a commitment from Northwestern transfer center Cade Bennerman. This gives new coach Michael Malone a developmental 7-footer with four years of eligibility as the Tar Heels continue reshaping the roster for the 2026-27 season.

Bennerman, who redshirted this past season at Northwestern and did not appear in a game, announced his commitment via On3’s Joe Tipton on Monday. He is listed at 7-foot, 205 pounds with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. Bennerman was ranked the No. 29 center in the transfer portal, per the Rivals Industry Ranking.

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Bennerman averaged 13.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as a high school senior. He originally chose Northwestern over Michigan (Bennerman was heavily recruited by Dusty May at Florida Atlantic, and later at Michigan) and South Florida.

Northwestern coach Chris Collins called Bennerman a “huge upside player,” after signing him out of high school.

“He’s long, athletic, and has skill with good hands and feet,” Collins said, per a Northwestern press release in 2024. “Cade can run the floor at his size, play at the high post, make shots and handle the ball. We feel his best days are ahead of him, and really look forward to seeing his growth.”

For UNC, Bennerman is the latest addition in what’s shaping up to be a significant frontcourt overhaul — particularly after news broke Friday that All-ACC second-team honoree Henri Veesaar was deciding to forego his senior year at North Carolina to enter the NBA Draft. The Tar Heels also recently added former Florida Atlantic forward Maxim Logue, signaling an emphasis on size, length and long-term development in the post.

How is Malone’s roster looking so far?

North Carolina’s early transfer haul under Malone is continuing to take shape, although several pieces are yet to be added.

Last week, UNC secured commitments from guards Matt Able (N.C. State) and Terrence Brown (Utah). Able is a 6-6 wing who brings shooting prowess — he shot 41.6% from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range last season — and disruption on defense (1.2 steals per game). Brown arrives as a productive scorer and downhill guard who led the Utes in scoring last season with 19.9 points per game.

UNC also has commitments from Neoklis Avdalas (Virginia Tech), a point-forward type with elite passing ability, and will maintain continuity with returning pieces Isaiah Denis, Jarin Stevenson and Jaydon Young.

Incoming freshmen Malloy Smith and Maximo Adams have reaffirmed their commitment to Malone’s staff.

This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 12:25 PM.