Prospect Update: LJ Henderson (2020)
LJ Henderson’s Clinton River Kings struggled last season, they were just 3-21, but the then-sophomore wing, one of 2020’s best prospects, was still able to take away some positives from the experience.
The 6-foot-2 rising junior wasn’t as good as he’d of liked, but he still came away with the All-MAC honors, and was able to glean some leadership qualities from the less-than-stellar sophomore season.
“Sophomore year as a team didn’t go too well overall, but individually, I believe I did well; such as as getting All-MAC honorable mention, and being able to get the experience of being a leader of a team, and growing my basketball IQ,” said Henderson.
He averaged 7.4 points per game and led the team in assists and steals. The next two years, Henderson will no doubt be the main-man at Clinton.
As a sophomore, he continued to evolve into player he wants to be during his upperclassman seasons; a playmaker, who gets it done of both ends of the floor.
“I believe that my game changed from last year by me controlling the tempo and seeing the floor better,” said Henderson. “And being very effective on defense, and having a better build to my body.”
This spring and summer, he’s running with one of the Midwest’s best teams, Quad City Elite 16U. He says things have been going well, and it’s been a privilege for him to go up against QC Elite 17u guys, such as Bettendorf’s DJ Carton, at their practices.
“QC Elite has gone very well so far. We as a team are very dangerous team and are just coming off of a championship in Milwaukee, and have had a lot of success,” said Henderson. “It helps getting to go against our 17s, such as DJ Carton and Deonte Billups, it teaches us how to compete against strong talent.”
With the July live periods just around the corner, Henderson is hoping to accumulate some college interest. Right now, it’s been slow, though he did mention Drake and UNI have shown some initial interest.
“I am looking forward to the recruitment process and being able to play with some of my best friends and a great program with great coaches,” said Henderson.
“I really just want to increase my exposure and build a lot of interest going into the winter high school season, and then continue on from there.”
LJ Henderson is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 50 prospect in his class. To see the full ranking of Iowa’s 2020 class, click here.