By Eddy Landreth
Staff Writer
Of all the things the Carolina basketball program has to be thankful for, John Henson’s growth, development and tenure as a player has to be near the top of the list.
Two years ago, many people were ready to write Henson off as a bust, which is a testament to the ridiculous short-term view that has become as much a part of the college game as running and dunking.
Now the 6-foot-11-inch junior with the jetliner wingspan may turn out to be the national player of the year before all is said and done.
Coach Roy Williams has to be thrilled that Henson and his family had the foresight and patience for him to continue to develop at UNC rather than run off to the National Basketball Association.
As for getting better, Henson just had to play at this level for a while and grow into his body and his game. His attitude has been great from day one. He is as pleasant a young man as you would ever hope to speak with, his smile brilliant and genuine.
He arrived in Chapel Hill highly regarded because of his athleticism and great length, but it became quickly apparent his talent was undeveloped.
Playing against former UNC players in the off-season has helped, he said.
“I told someone earlier this week, it’s been two years in progress,†Henson said. “What helped me was playing against the pros. They make you have to do a different move. It’s something I’ve been working on. I just hope I can keep it up through March.â€
Former Tar Heel Rasheed Wallace has been especially helpful, Henson said.
“Rasheed, he texts me after every game,†Henson said. “He gives me some pointers. We have a good relationship. He has helped me a lot. Watching him, what he does against us in [pickup] games, I can say I stole some of his stuff.â€
“John’s ability to score the basketball helps us so much,†said sophomore Harrison Barnes, a star in his own right. “He gives us another threat down low.
“Last year, people saw him as a defensive player who was going to get you 10 points and 15 rebounds. Now, he had 18 [against Mississippi Valley State on Sunday]. It’s going to make the defense collapse down, and we just have to hit our 3-pointers.â€
Henson had 14 rebounds and three assists to go with his 18 points against the Delta Devils. (UNC played Tennessee State on Tuesday night after The Citizen’s holiday deadline.)
The growth in Henson’s confidence is as obvious as the touch and consistency on his baseline jump shot. One of his assists against the Delta Devils was a beautiful touch pass to fellow big man Tyler Zeller.
Henson and the Tar Heels will play on Friday and Saturday in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational. UNC will play South Carolina on Friday at 10 p.m. and then either Southern California or UNLV on Saturday.
This team is playing its way into form as a group and meshing together along the way. Henson and Zeller have a particularly nice chemistry.
“We understand each other offensively and even more so defensively,†Zeller said. “I know he can block shots, so I am able to block out. I know he is a great rebounder, so I can take off and run. We know where each other is going to be.â€
The Tar Heels’ front line is a special group, particularly now that Barnes is playing more in the vicinity of the bucket. Add in sensational freshman big man James Michael McAdoo, and Carolina has a front line that is second to none in college basketball.
And that’s a blessing Williams and Tar Heel fans everywhere are grateful to have.