Manning the middle for an otherwise perimeter-heavy NC GBB attack, Henriques looks ripe to be among the Hoop State’s bigger stock risers upon coming over from Southern Durham and repeating his junior year. Originally from New York, he’s an eye-catching physical specimen with his size, a naturally lean physique, and explosive athletic ability. He thrives as a rim-runner and working the dunker spot for momentum-swinging dunks but also showed flashes of skill as a passer, post scorer, and occasional floor-spacer. Things can still move a bit fast for him at times but if added reps can help Henriques’ feel for the game improve to match his physical ability, then the finished product could be really exciting when all is said and done.

North Carolina does not have a ton of traditional big men but of the few, GBB has one that should be on your radar. Dwayne comes over from Southern Durham after not having a huge year, but he was a star in the role he was tasked with. Coach Q is excited about the potential of the big man, who he says has improved drastically since the summer. Putting an emphasis on his footwork, offensive repertoire, and defensive mobility, Dwayne is primed for a breakout season.

Already a big powerful presence, his ability to have reliable hands and a soft touch around the rim is critical. It’s rare that he gets to the rim and does not dunk, but he’s added jump hooks and reverse pivot turnaround jumpers from 8-10 feet. Occasionally, he stepped out and showed the ability to stretch the floor but I’m sure the staff would much rather live with the higher percentage looks until he’s more consistent outside.

He runs the floor like a deer in the woods and the motor is always running. Rebounding and rim protection are absolute musts when Dwayne is on the floor. The team’s ceiling rises even higher when he’s effective in both departments. There is a lot of offense on the wings, so being able to do the little things will result in a big impact for the big man.

Henriques will look to help anchor the Garner Road 3SSB 17u defense this spring/summer after doing that for Southern Durham to help them win an NCHSAA 7A State Championship. Henriques isn’t a big time scorer but he provides an incredible impact on the defensive end of the floor along with his ability to rebound the basketball at both ends of the floor. Henriques does a great job staying vertical on his contests and is more than willing to play a physical brand of basketball. Working with Coach David West will tremendously help his development at both ends of the floor as he continues to work himself into a complete player. Henriques physical gifts, activity, and sheer presence will provide Garner Road with a real rim protector that will allow the other four guys on the floor to play with a little bit more of a safety net defensively. He’s an under the radar, late blooming big man that could quickly turn the corner and launch himself up the rankings if he continues to hone his craft.