1-on-1 with 2022 Seminole twins Damari and JaCari Henderson
Recruiting starts at a younger age more and more these days.
Two players that have got the attention of college programs early on are Sanford Seminole twins Damari and JaCari Henderson.
The 2022 guard tandem recently had an open gym/workout session where UF, UCF, LSU, Oregon and Texas dropped by to watch. No offers have come, but the Henderson’s are on the right path for success.
I sat down with the twins in an exclusive Q&A.
Note: Damari is 5’11”, 150 lbs. while JaCari is 5’10”, 150 lbs.
Jake Perper: Talk about the dynamic of playing with your twin brother. How long have you two played basketball and together specifically? What are your expectations for this season at Seminole?
Damari Henderson: “Playing with my brother is very fun but hard sometimes because we battle each other one on one a lot. We started out playing when we were 4 or 5 years old in rec ball with the city leagues. My goal is to go to the state playoffs and possibly win it all.”
JP: What do you want people to know about your game (biggest strengths/things you want to improve)? What do you differently than your brother?
DH: “My biggest strength is being a defensive player and team player. Things that I need to work on are being a better offensive player and being consistent with my shots form. We do everything together and push each other so it is no different.”
JP: What are the long term goals with basketball for you? Ideally, do you want to play with your brother at the next level, do you think that is possible to do?
DH: “I have not thought that far ahead for long term goals but I just want to work to get better so me and my brother and best friend Kam Moore will play together at the next level. I feel it is possible.”
Jake Perper: What was the summer like with Team Nightrydas and participating in the 8th Grade Finale? Watching the Peach Jam, did you feel like you are right there in terms of your success?
JaCari Henderson: “The summer was amazing with we did with my teammates and coaches form a strong bond. Playing in 8th grade AAU nationals and winning it and then turned around and played in 8th Grade Finale and winning that. We played against some great players and met and took pictures with some NBA players. We had a chance to see some of the Peach Jams finals and sit on the floor during the championship game which was great. Our team Nightrydas Elite had very good success and got a lot of respect from everyone at Peach Jam and 8th Grade Finale.”
JP: What do you want people to know about your game (biggest strengths/things you want to improve)? What do you differently than your brother?
JH: “My biggest strength is being a defensive player and team player and a high motor and our coach always tell us to play hard, fast and physical. We start fast and finish strong. Things that I need to work on are being a better offensive player and being consistent with my shots form and dribbling or ball handles. We work to do everything together and push each other to get better so I can’t see a difference, we are the same.”
JP: What are the long term goals with basketball for you? Ideally, do you want to play with your brother at the next level, do you think that is possible to do?
JH: “I haven’t been thinking about long term goals but if I had to say, it would be working hard to get a scholarship to next level for long term goals but I just want to work to get better so me and my brother and best friend Kam Moore will play together at the next level. I can see that happening.”