Prospect Spotlight: Jordan Henry (2018)
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Okemos combo guard Jordan Henry is one of the most underrated players in the 2018 class, but that’s only added fuel to the fire.
As a junior, Henry averaged 16.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game, which led to him being a unanimous selection to the CAAC Blue All Conference Team. This season he’s hoping to lead his team to a conference title and become a better all-around player.
“The team goal this year is to win the league,” Henry said. “We haven’t won the league in so long, but I feel like we have a good chance this year. My goal this year is to just play basketball. I just want to play the best I can play and leave everything on the court for my last season.”
Henry admits he has some things to work on, but if you’ve seen him play, you know he’s one of the better guards in the state at getting to the basket, finishing at the rim and drawing fouls. Henry described his style of play as hard and fast. He likes to get up and down the court and lead fast break opportunities. He credits watching James Harden for his ability to draw fouls and watches a lot of other players around the country to try and perfect his game.
On defense, Henry has the potential to be a good defender at the next level. He is good at reading passes and making plays on the ball, but he does need to work on his on-ball defense and make sure he’s staying in front of his man. He’s one of the best players in the CAAC Blue because of his versatile offensive game, but improvement on the defensive end of the floor will make him a Jimmy Butler type player.
“One of my biggest strengths right now is drawing fouls at the basket. I feel like I can draw a foul anytime I drive to the basket,” he said. “I think I need to work on rebounding and defense. I feel like I can be more active on defense with my long arms and quick feet.”
His game hasn’t gone entirely unnoticed, as Henry received an offer over the summer from Roberts Wesleyan. He’s also seen interest from Daemon College and other schools from Michigan. However, more programs could come calling if Henry can dominate the CAAC Blue this year.
“I’m looking for a school that I can call home. A school that I can be comfortable at and is right for me. I’m trying to build relationships with coaches and find the best school for me,” Henry said.
Henry may be underrated now, but he’s using that to his advantage. He’s a leader on the court and has been working the entire offseason to become the player that every college program dreams of getting a commitment from.
“I feel like my knowledge of the game really separates me. I know where to be on the floor and what to do at the right time,” Henry said. “I have been playing for so many years with a ton of great coaches teaching me what is right and what is wrong.”
While 2017 was a good year for Henry, 2018 could be his coming out party, and whoever lands the 6-foot-2 combo guard will be getting one of the best players in the state of Michigan.