[Colonel Kill]

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.