Henson growing from prospect to player

A year ago, John Henson didn't look like the player he is today. The rising junior from Round Rock (Texas) High School has sprouted six inches and his game is growing as well.

Henson has grown from a 6-foot-3 guard to a 6-foot-9 wing in a matter of a year. Because of that, the class of 2009 prospect is trying to learn more about himself as a player and shining as an intriguing prospect.

"His feet and his knees are hurting him so bad because he's growing so fast," Henson's AAU coach Max Ivany of the Texas D1 Ambassadors said. "Depending on what game you see him in, he will do it all. Then the next game, his feet are so tender, he's off. When John is on, he's very, very good. Right now, his body just isn't developed as much."

Henson has played well at the Arizona Cactus Classic, including a 21-point first half against Play Hard Play Smart, featuring five-star 2008 forward Terrence Jennings. Henson has a nice hook shot with both hands around the cup and his perimeter game isn't bad for a player his size.

"He's able to shoot the three and he's got a couple of finesse moves down low that he's had to learn because he was shorter at one point," Ivany said. "I think people are starting to see his hook shot. I think he may be a little more skillful because he was a smaller player."

One high-major school saw the potential early. Baylor has offered Henson a scholarship while Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma State are interested in the long and lanky big man.

Time is certainly on his side and a busy schedule ahead should only help Henson grow into his body. He has stops at the Nike and Reebok underclassmen camps. He will play at Baylor's camp and participated in Texas's elite camp last weekend.