Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Co led G League Ignite in their inaugural campaign. With Brian Shaw at the helm, the team went 8-7 in the 2021 G League bubble, losing in the quarterfinal to the Raptors 905. As expected, Ignite were quick to turn their focus to the 2021-22 season.
Five-star recruits Michael Foster and Jaden Hardy have inked deals with the development team. As has Chinese prospect, Fanbo Zeng, after decommiting from the Gonzaga Bulldogs to link up with Ignite. But attention has been drawn towards 17-year-old, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson.
Henderson has graduated from high-school a year early, and will forgo college, to join G League Ignite. He is the first high-school junior to commit to the program, and is the first Ignite player to not be NBA draft-eligible the next year. Instead, he will be eligible for the 2023 draft.
It is expected that the young point guard will spend two-years with the team, and has reportedly signed a deal in the range of $1 million. Kentucky, Auburn, and Georgia were among the high-profile schools that were believed to be recruiting Henderson heavily.
The possibility of heading overseas, following in the footsteps of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton, was strongly considered by Henderson and his family. But the enticement of G League Ignite’s offer was too much to turn down.
The landmark deal also sees the prospect reportedly become the youngest professional player in the history of American basketball.
“I’m so excited the G League created this platform. It is truly the best fit for me. Since I was a kid, competing at the highest level in the world has been my main goal. Becoming the youngest professional American basketball player is just icing on the cake.”
Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
ESPN has Henderson ranked as their 7th prospect in the Class of 2022. Through the 2020-21 season, the impressive junior jumped up the recruiting rankings after leading Kell High School to the class 6A state title game. Through the campaign, he posted averages of 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Standing at 6-foot-3, the Ignite guard has been one of the most explosive athletes around the high-school circuit. He can beat his opponents off the dribble with ease and finish at the rim strong in a variety of ways, even in traffic. These are skills that many look for in an elite NBA point guard.
A shooting ability is there, but will most likely be the next stage of Henderson’s development. Being a consistent threat from the outside will really propel his game to the next level. Additionally, he can share the ball and act as a play-maker. Henderson’s strong frame and length creates potential on the defensive end too.
The upside is there, undoubtedly. However, a tough two years sits ahead for Scoot Henderson, who will face-off against fully grown professionals in the NBA G League. Players that will purposely target the highly-ranked prospect, to prove a point. Just like they did with Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga throughout 2020-21.
At present time, it is predicted that Henderson will be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If he proves his worth in the G League Ignite camp, the potential to sneak towards the top-5 could very well be a possibility.
Header Image Credit: Rivals.com
Author: Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU)
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