Bluegrassrivals

As reported on ESPNU by Andy Katz


KU beats out UK for Henry brothers

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | Print Entry

Kansas continued to cement its status as the top team for the 2009-10 season with the addition of Xavier Henry, which will reportedly become official at a Thursday press conference.


The Jayhawks had the spot once the entire starting five returned, including potential lottery pick Cole Aldrich and possible first-round pick Sherron Collins. Kansas, defending its national title, lost to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 after winning the Big 12 title outright.


A source close to Memphis said Xavier's brother, walk-on C.J. Henry, told Memphis coach Josh Pastner on Wednesday that he and his brother were going to attend Kansas next season. Xavier Henry was also considering Kentucky. C.J. Henry, who sat out this past season at Memphis, isn't on scholarship because of financial package he received from being in the New York Yankees' minor league system.


Xavier Henry, ranked No. 3 in the ESPU100, initially chose Memphis and then-head coach John Calipari over Kansas in the fall. He signed with the Tigers and can't sign two national letters of intent, so technically he's not bound to Kansas either.

Assuming he's sticks with KU, though, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Oklahoma City will give the Jayhawks a third scorer to go with Collins and Aldrich, making the team even more productive offensively. C.J. Henry would likely be a backup point guard and doesn't cost the Jayhawks a scholarship.


Henry's decision could have a positive impact on a good friend of Kansas coach Bill Self, former assistant Norm Roberts of St. John's. KU was also recruiting shooting guard Lance Stephenson of Brooklyn's Lincoln High. But Henry's decision could mean Stephenson, No. 12 in our rankings, chooses the hometown Red Storm, a much-needed get for Roberts in his rebuilding process in Queens. Stephenson also has Maryland high on his list.

I just saw this on ESPN. Soo who do we go after now???

That is a good question. Will coach cal offer nolan dennis a scholarship now?

have they made it official? havent seen anything

cuppett777 Wrote:have they made it official? havent seen anything

ditto, I have not seen anything yet either

It's Official, henry to Kansas and Darnell Dodson to UK. Dodson will be at UK for the next 3 years, while Henry is one and done

cougarpride08 Wrote:That is a good question. Will coach cal offer nolan dennis a scholarship now?

Nolan Dennis commited to Baylor.

Navajo4life Wrote:It's Official, henry to Kansas and Darnell Dodson to UK. Dodson will be at UK for the next 3 years, while Henry is one and done

Henry hasnt said that yet has he.....

so whats up where is he going, anyone heard anything?

Reported on ESPNU Thursday


By picking the Kansas Jayhawks, 2009 recruit Xavier Henry (Oklahoma City/Putnam City) has made one of the preseason favorites considerably better.

Of course, this was Henry's second time through the recruiting process. In November, he committed to Memphis. He opened things back up when John Calipari took the head coaching job at Kentucky.

This decision came down to where Henry felt most comfortable. His brother C.J. also was familiar with Kansas; he had committed to the Jayhawks before electing to pursue a professional baseball career. C.J. will try to walk on at Kansas next season. (He has to file a waiver with the NCAA to play right away after redshirting at Memphis.)

Both Calipari and Kansas coach Bill Self cultivated relationships with Henry, and Henry's experience getting recruited by Kansas over the years was a positive one. Although he was very close with Calipari, he probably was more familiar with the players at Kansas.

Henry, who announced his decision to attend Kansas on Thursday, is the nation's No. 3 recruit and one of the best perimeter scorers in the Class of 2009. With Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins returning to Kansas, Henry should be a complement to the Jayhawks' All-American upperclassmen. Henry's 3-point shooting ability will create space for Aldrich down low and give Collins another weapon to look for in transition and off penetration.

With so much returning talent in Lawrence, Henry won't be under a ton of pressure. He should slide right in at the on the wing -- playing next to Collins and Tyshawn Taylor.

Henry's athleticism and effort should help him be a great fit at KU. Kansas plays pressure defense, especially on the wings, which can lead to many transition baskets. In the half court, the Jayhawks often look to a high-low set that could give Henry plenty of open looks from outside.

Kansas also likes to run many high-ball screens, which should be beneficial to Henry; he can turn those opportunities into high-percentage shots. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Henry is his size. He stands 6-foot-6 and possesses an NBA-ready body (weighing in around 230 pounds). When he gets in the lane, Henry carries the defender on his hip and finishes through contact with ease.

Henry completes a stellar recruiting class for Self. The Jayhawks also will bring in ESPNU 100 prospects PF Thomas Robinson (Washington, D.C./Brewster Academy, N.H.) and G Elijah Johnson (Las Vegas/Cheyenne). Robinson is a low-post bruiser who hits the boards with tenacity. Johnson is a terrific playmaking guard who can play either the 1 or 2. In our most recent recruiting class rankings, Kansas checked in at No. 22, but will be significantly higher in our final tally at the end of the late signing period.

Henry's committing to Kansas means SG Lance Stephenson (Lincoln/N.Y.) will be headed elsewhere. Stephenson, one of the nation's top uncommitted recruits, was strongly considering Kansas when Henry opened his recruiting process back up. Now it looks to be a two-horse race between St. John's and Maryland for Stephenson's services.