While many of the top prospects in Arizona's 2017 class have already given verbal commitments to college programs across the country, Some student-athletes this spring will still be looking to land a college home. One of those prospects is Mesa High School's talented 6-foot-5 senior forward DJ Henderson. Among the top available unsigned prospects, Henderson's situation is a unique one for college coaches to take a look at.
What makes Henderson's situation so unique is that academically, Henderson still has a lot of work to do in the classroom. So much that he will not be able to get it done academically this spring. Instead, Henderson will need to focus on junior college programs this spring, as his academic troubles will not allow him to qualify academically. As a result, Henderson will need to go the junior college route - making him one of the hottest juco prospects in the state this spring.
Henderson is a strong low post player that has a very good feel for the game and good footwork. He is also able to play on the perimeter, althoug he is at his best from mid-range, where he is able to score effectively - inside and out. He is a very good rebounder and finisher inside the painted area. Very fundamentally sound, Henderson is a nice do-it-all forward prospect with a nice skillset for the future. Henderson is an attractive looking prospect prospect for junior college programs to pursue this pring.
Henderson has led a talented and well coachd Mesa team this high school season - leading the team to a 11-5 overall record on the season, thus far. Mesa will be among the top teams this high school season to compete for a 6A state title.
Henderson is already hearing from the majority of junior college programs in the ACCAC Conference, and also has such top-rated junior college programs as South Plains JC (TX) and Midland JC (TX) recruiting him at this time, after his performance in this year's McClintock Holiday Shootout recently.
I caught up with Henderson recently and he advised me that he is very interested in playing junior college basketball and developing as a player and as a student-athlete. He is also entertaining the thought of leaving Arizona and playing for an out-of-state junior college program. He indicated that he is interested in leaving the state and experiencing new things, if possible.
I will keep a close eye on the recruitment of Henderson this spring, and look forward to bringing you any updates as they develop.
