Step Out On The Scene

Jay Henderson has solidified himself as a high-level recruit.

by Dave Spahn / @davespahn

We in the media tend to gravitate towards the elite level recruits at most AAU events. Naturally, everyone wants to catch a game from one of the nation’s best players instead of watch a game with a few under-the-radar kids hoping to get scholarships. For better or for worse, hundreds of players get overlooked and forgotten about by coaches throughout the country, leaving a flood of players without collegiate options.

Although not a household name for avid fans on the AAU circuit, Jay Henderson brings the necessary skillset and toughness to the table that any coach would love to have. He defends the ball well, he’s active when his man doesn’t have the ball, he communicates well with his teammates, and he knows how to run the point guard position well. He doesn’t complain about not getting the bulk of shots on offense and does whatever the team needs him to do. All in all, Henderson truly is a coaches favorite.

“I just want to the be the best teammate that I can be,” explained Henderson. “I play alongside some really good players and know that I can compete with anyone, so I just do what needs to be done in order to get a win”

enderson displayed his versatility as a guard this summer by playing the point guard position, a spot he doesn’t take during the school year. Playing for Lake Highland Prep in Orlando, he slides over to his natural position at shooting guard while teammate and fellow top 100 recruit Joel Berry runs the show at the point. He more than held his own against the likes of Anthony Barber, Wes Clark, Tyler Ennis and the other major guards in the EYBL.

“Playing in the EYBL went really well,” said Henderson. “I got to compete against the very best players in the country. They’re faster, stronger, and more skilled than the guys I’m used to, but I think I played well. I definitely had a great experience.”

As Henderson’s on-court performance has elevated, his recruitment has begun to heat up as well. He claims offers from Florida State, Memphis, Seton Hall, Purdue, Stanford as well as interest from a host of schools including Florida, Notre Dame, Miami and many more. His recruitment should only continue to go up during the high school season as well. His high school coach, Jeff Turner, played for the New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic and brings a wide range of NBA knowledge to the high school ranks. Henderson feels as if his team has “an unfair advantage” due to his coach’s teaching ability.

“Our coaches push us a lot. We go hard the entire practice, no exceptions,” Henderson said when asked about his coaches at Lake Highland Prep coaches. “We always play good talent and play in big tournaments, but the best part about playing there is every day at practice. I know I’m getting better every day when I’m with our coaches.”