Last season, Shelton Henderson cemented himself as one of my favorite prospects in college basketball. His dominance as a downhill scorer, paired with his NBA-ready frame at 6’6” and 240 pounds, and a wingspan of at least 6’10”, gives him the coveted tools that NBA teams target in wing prospects.
Henderson now returns to the Miami Hurricanes for his sophomore season after tallying 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 56.7% from the field over the course of his freshman campaign.
Only a few underclassmen in the country have at least one elite offensive skill, but Henderson has one: his rim pressure. Even fewer pair their skill set with his size, athleticism, and touch around the rim. This alone is enough for me to be excited about what might be in store for Henderson’s sophomore season, especially if we see any substantive development as a ball-handler and shooter.
Why the Intrigue?
Shelton Henderson is a downhill force, a human hurricane of sorts. He has a broad frame and the necessary burst, especially for his size, to generate substantial momentum from a standstill. With the acceleration to get through defensive gaps and his love of initiating physicality, there isn’t much defenders can do once Henderson picks up speed downhill. He has a flurry of spin moves and does a great job of playing off two feet once he gets into the paint.
