Shelton Henderson is starting to look like the real deal for Miami - not just a promising freshman, but a player who’s evolving right in front of our eyes. His versatility has been on full display, and the coaching staff is clearly leaning into that growth. After a strong showing in Miami’s latest outing, assistant coach Jai Lucas spoke about Henderson’s development, particularly the new wrinkles in his offensive game.
“He’s added more to his game,” Lucas said postgame. “He’s expanded a lot, and now we’ve put him kind of in that mid-post area with those turnarounds.
He’s been shooting it better, too. So he’s continued to get better, which is always a good sign.”
That mid-post turnaround jumper Lucas mentioned? It’s not just a highlight - it’s a sign of a player who’s learning how to counter defenses that are starting to key in on him. As teams gather more film and try to take away his primary looks, Henderson is showing he can adjust, and that’s a trait you want to see in any young player with pro aspirations.
Let’s talk numbers. Henderson is averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while logging about 30 minutes a night.
Solid across the board, but what really jumps off the page is his efficiency: he’s shooting a scorching 60.7% from the field. That’s not just good - that’s elite, especially for a freshman.
He’s not just getting buckets; he’s doing it without wasting possessions.
His three-point shot is still a work in progress - he’s at 33.3% from deep - but there’s reason to believe that part of his game is trending in the right direction. He’s not afraid to let it fly, and with continued reps and confidence, that percentage could climb. If it does, it’ll open up even more space for him to operate in the mid-range and around the rim, where he already thrives.
Right now, Henderson is firmly on NBA radars, though he’s not projected as a first-rounder just yet. Most early 2026 NBA Draft projections have him somewhere in the second-round mix, with some suggesting he could go undrafted. But that’s more a reflection of how deep and unpredictable the draft class is than a knock on Henderson’s talent.
So what happens if he comes back for another year? That’s where things get really interesting.
Another season in college - another offseason in the weight room, more time to sharpen his jumper, more experience against high-level competition - and Henderson could vault himself into a completely different draft conversation. His physicality is already improving, and if he continues to get stronger, he could become a force on the offensive glass and a more consistent finisher through contact.
Bottom line: Shelton Henderson is already one of the most efficient and consistent freshmen in the country. He’s not just producing - he’s evolving. And if this trajectory continues, both the ACC and NBA scouts are going to have a lot more to talk about in the months ahead.