After a historic turnaround, the Miami Hurricanes retain a rising star, who is ranked among the nation’s elite. The versatile sophomore aims to sharpen perimeter shooting and spark another postseason run.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program underwent a historic resurgence in Jai Lucas’ first year as the head coach. Coming off a 7-24 season, he led a completely fresh roster to 26-9, including an NCAA Tournament appearance. Following a historic turnaround, coach Lucas acquired several new talents through the transfer portal, including guard Acaden Lewis and center Somto Cyril.
However, arguably the most successful aspect of the Hurricanes’ offseason was keeping Shelton Henderson. Despite not being the most prolific freshman in the nation, the Texas native delivered an immediate impact. He averaged 13.8 points on 56.7 percent shooting, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals, starting in all 35 games.
Henderson had an opportunity to learn behind three key veterans in guard Tre Donaldson, forward Malik Reneau, and center Ernest Udeh Jr. As each of them chases NBA dreams, the 19-year-old looks to propel the Hurricanes further.
According to The Field of 68 Media Network, Henderson was ranked the sixth-best returning player in college basketball. The following is who he fell behind on the list:
- No. 1: Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh
- No. 2: Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner
- No. 3: Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr.
- No. 4: UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins
- No. 5: Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen
Henderson has great potential, but showed offensive limitations as a freshman. The former highly-touted recruit has a consistent midrange shot, makes strong reads when cutting to the basket, can back down defenders, and is a lob threat in transition. However, outside of the arc, Henderson could be considered vulnerable, shooting 25.5 percent.
Coach Lucas isn’t reliant on three-point shooting, but it’s an area the Hurricanes need to improve on from last season. As a team, they shot 34.9 percent (ninth best in the Atlantic Coast Conference), but only made 233 total (fourth fewest) in 668 attempts (second fewest).
As Henderson will likely inherit an expanded role next season, improving as an outside shooter would open more opportunities for him and the rest of the team to operate.
Despite being left out of the All-ACC Freshman Team, the rising Hurricanes star is likely a strong candidate to earn All-ACC First or Second Team honors.
Henderson is ascending with a program that doesn’t have the richest history. Regardless, he and coach Lucas are taking the Hurricanes to a level of relevancy that it hadn’t been since the Final Four run in 2023’s March Madness.
There is a new level of excitement for basketball in Coral Gables.
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- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
