Tag Archives: Gerald Henderson

Holiday Musings – Duke in the NBA, High School prospects in action and more

Duke is Family! JWill, CWell and Cdu

Firstly, here is to hoping all of the Blue Devil Nations is having a fabulous Holiday Season!  For me, it's right back to work as I head out to the former Glaxo Tournament now called 2011 HighSchool​OT.com Holiday Invitation​al to check out future Dukie Rasheed Sulaimon in person.  I will also take in two budding prospects from the class of 2014.  In the morning, the plan is to head for Myrtle Beach for the Beach Ball Classic which is loaded and I will be back for the Duke vs Western Michigan game on Friday.  In short, while many of you are hitting the after Christmas sales and stuffing leftovers, I'll be hitting the recruiting trail hard.

Most of the Duke players went home for the holidays and judging from what I saw on social media, all had a great time.  You know Quinn Cook had to be smiling after being named ACC Rookie of the Week and he'll likely get more burn in the next two games against Western Michigan and Penn,  But, he'll have to show up large to for that to continue as the schedule goes into overdrive with a tough road game at Temple before the ACC slate begins.

It may be early in the season, but Austin Rivers looks like a lock for ACC Rookie of the Year.  Another player who is proving he belongs with the ACC's elite is Mason Plumlee.  During ACC media day, I picked three Tar Heels to make the first team, but if I were to vote again today, Plumlee would take Tyler Zeller's spot.  For the record, I voted the exact way the results turned out with Seth Curry on first team, but he will have to pick it up a little to get that vote at seasons end.  Curry is  by no means having a bad year, but he needs to become consistent and take on more of a leadership role after the break.  When a kid makes 1st team All ACC, you have to hold him to a higher standard.

A lot of people did not like the ACC expanding, but knowing the landscape of the future, I was all for it.  The conference currently had three ranked teams in Duke, North Carolina and Virginia, but new members, Syracuse and Pitt would make it five.  The Cuse is ranked number one in the nation and they're about as deep a team as you will see.  Also, Duke is 5th in the coaches poll and 7th in the A.P.

The  NBA season is under way and the Blue Devils have more players on the opening day rosters than any other school.  Of course, you will still hear the negative nellies of the world try and explain that one away.  Still, that is quite a fact you can offer future prospects.  And for the record, Kyle Singler would have been on that list as well but decided to finish the season out in Spain.

JJ Redick went for 20 points last evening helping Orlando even their record up at 1-1. and Chris Duhon added 6 points as well.  Kyrie Irving did not have a stellar debut going just 2 of 12 from the field for 6 points but he did have 7 assists as Cleveland dropped their home opener to Toronto.  Mike Dunleavy tallied 13 points for Milwaukee and Shaun Livingston who verballed to Duke and then decided to go to the NBA had 14, but they fell short to Charlotte where Gerald Henderson had an outstanding opening game dropping 18 points while Corey Maggette added 12.  The 39 year old Grant Hill scored 6 points for the Phoenix Suns but they lost by a point to New Orleans.  Josh McRobert's had just 2 points in 20 plus minutes for the Lakers as they dropped their second game to start the season 0-2.  Meanwhile, Shelden Williams played but did not scratch the scoring column for New Jersey.  Finally the Bulls lost on the road to Golden State as Carlos Boozer tossed in 6 points and Luol Deng added 20 points where he seemed to be the only Bull to show up.  Whew!  A lot of Dukies were playing last night and with a shortened schedule where teams play on what use to be off days due to the lock out, this will be common place as the season progresses.  We'll give last nights game ball to Redick with 20 in his teams win and he can share it with Henderson who showed he wants to be a factor helping a not so good Bobcat's team to an opening victory.  And Kris Humpheries was vote the NBA's most hated player.  For those who do not remember, Humpheries signed with Duke and was then granted a release when he demanded immediate playing time for a good team, taking his game to Minnesota.

That's it for this week Blue Devil Nation and we'll return to our regular Monday Musings feature next week.  And we are extending our yearly membership special rate of 20% off 100 bucks for a few days, so take advantage of our lowest price ever and come on in and see what is going on behind the scenes and catch all the latest recruiting news.  And for new members, you must sign up for the message board separately and will be approved after we see you've joined through paypal.  Go Duke!

Gerald Henderson will stay in the NBA Draft

072Sources close to the situation have told the Blue Devil Nation that Duke star Gerald Henderson has signed with Arn Tellem and that he will remain in the 2009 NBA Draft.  Henderson leaves Duke after a successful junior season where he helped lead his team to an ACC Championship averaging 16.7 ppg.  The Blue Devil Nation wishes Gerald the very best and will follow his progress in the future.

Gerald Henderson enters the NBA Draft

BDN Photo
BDN Photo

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke guard Gerald Henderson announced on Saturday that he will make himself eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft to be held on June 25 in New York City. Henderson has not hired an agent.

“After a lot of thought and discussion with my family and the Duke coaching staff, I have decided to enter the NBA Draft,” said Henderson. “Playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine since a young age and I am thrilled to have the opportunity. My three years at Duke have been a tremendous learning experience and have helped me develop both as a person and as a player.”

Henderson, a first team All-ACC and ACC All-Tournament team selection last season, led the Blue Devils to a 30-7 record, the program's 11th ACC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2008-09. He led the team in scoring at 16.5 points per game, while also ranking second in rebounding (4.9 rpg) and assists (91) and third in blocked shots (28) and steals (46). Henderson scored in double figures 31 times in 2008-09, including 11 games with 20 or more points scored. He was also named to the Wooden Award, AP (third) and the FoxSports.com (second) All-America teams last season.

"Gerald is an impressive young man on and off the court," said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "We had great conversations about his NBA prospects and we are 100 percent behind his decision. Gerald is coming off a great season and he has an extremely bright future as a professional. We are ready to help him in any and every way during this process."

Henderson is one of 59 players in school history to score over 1,000 career points and ranks 39th at Duke with 1,262 points. He played in 103 career games with 79 starts and finished his career with 435 rebounds, 182 assists, 101 steals and 69 blocks. Henderson shot at least 45 percent from the field in all three seasons and shot a career-high from both the three-point line (.336) and free throw line (.761) during his junior year.

If Henderson were to remain in the 2009 NBA Draft, Duke would return nine letter-winners, including four starters, from a year ago. Early entries have until June 16 to decide on whether or not to remain in the draft.

Tri MVP’s named during the Duke Basketball Awards Banquet

Team celebrated the 2009 ACC Championship
Team celebrated the 2009 ACC Championship

DURHAM, N.C. – The trio of Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler shared the Swett-Baylin Award for Most Valuable Player at the annual Duke Men’s Basketball banquet on Friday night in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Henderson, a Wooden Award All-America and first team All-ACC choice, also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award, True Blue Award for most charges drawn (20), the Best Field Goal Percentage (.450) and Best Defensive Player.

Scheyer, the ACC Tournament MVP, also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award, the Iron Duke Award for most minutes played (1,214), the Best Free Throw Percentage (.836) and the Most Assists (102). He has recorded the best free throw percentage in all three of his seasons at Duke.

Singler, a second team All-ACC selection and 2K Sports Classic MVP, had the Best Rebounding Average with 7.7 rebounds per game. It is the second straight season he has posted the top rebounding average.

Senior Greg Paulus was named an Academic All-America for the second straight year and received the Dr. Deryl Hart Award as the top scholar-athlete. He has been named the top scholar athlete in each of the last two seasons. He also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award for the second time in his career.

The Glenn E. “Ted” Mann, Jr., Award, which is given to a reserve who contributes the most to team morale, was delivered to freshman Elliot Williams. The Coach’s Award for a player exemplifying the commitment and values of Duke Basketball was given to Lance Thomas.

Three other awards were handed out Friday night. Joey McMahon and Griffin Tormey received the Gopal Varadhan Senior Manager Award, Elise Rose was given the Harry Rainey Spirit Award and John Roelofs was the recipient of the Charles Hogan Memorial Band Award.

2008-09 Duke Men's Basketball Award Winners

Swett-Baylin Award (Most Valuable Player): Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler
Dr. Deryl Hart Award (Top Scholar-Athlete): Greg Paulus
Glenn E. "Ted" Mann, Jr., Award (Reserve Contributing Most to Team Morale): Elliot Williams
Coach's Award (Player Exemplifying the Commitment and Values of Duke Basketball): Lance Thomas
Iron Dukes Award (Most Minutes Played): Jon Scheyer
Bill Krzyzewski Captains' Awards: Gerald Henderson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer
Best Field Goal Percentage Award: Gerald Henderson
Best Rebounding Average Award: Kyle Singler
Best Free Throw Percentage Award: Jon Scheyer
Most Assists Award: Jon Scheyer
Best Defensive Player Award: Gerald Henderson
Gopal Varadhan Senior Manager Award: Joey McMahon, Griffin Tormey
Harry Rainey Spirit Award: Elise Rose

News on Waner, Henderson, Duke Football and McDonald’s All American Game

072
We've been really busy with hoops recruiting of late and missed getting a bit of news out there. Here are some releases from Duke Sports Information -

Abby Waner To Participate In The State Farm Three-Point Championship

DURHAM, N.C.
Duke University senior Abby Waner has been selected one of eight senior student-athletes to participate in the 21st Annual State Farm College Slam Dunk and Three-Point Championships at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Thursday, April 2 in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.

The contest will take place at 7:30 p.m., and then will air on ESPN from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

Waner, who is a product of Highlands Ranch, Colo., concluded her collegiate career as one of the top three-point shooters in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history. A 5-11 guard, Waner registered 222 career treys over four years to rank 12th on the ACC charts and first in the Blue Devil history books. She became the first Duke player and eighth ACC player to register 45 or more three-pointers in four consecutive years. Her 691 career three-pointers attempted ranks seventh in ACC history and first at Duke. Not only did Waner hit three-pointers, but she was a great all-around student-athlete as she became the fifth player in ACC history to notch over 1,400 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists and 300 steals. Waner was also a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection. A two-time Naismith National Player of the Year candidate, Waner received the 2009 Robin Roberts/WBCA Broadcasting Scholarship and was a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award in 2009. She is a three-time All-ACC Tournament first team selection. As a senior, Waner averaged 9.7 points, 3.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 steals, while registering 55 three-pointers made.

Season tickets are available by calling the Duke Athletic Ticket Office at 1-877-375-DUKE or by logging on to GoDuke.com.


Duke Athletics Tour Schedule Set

DURHAM, N.C. -- The second annual Duke Athletics Tour featuring head football coach David Cutcliffe has secured eight stops between April 18 and May 21.  The 2009 tour includes events in Charlotte (April 28), Asheville (April 29), Greenville (May 5), Richmond, Va. (May 6), Atlanta, Ga. (May 14), Sanford/Pinehurst (May 18), Greenville, S.C. (May 20) and Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem (May 21). All events are open to the public and will feature an autograph and photo opportunity with Cutcliffe, food and beverages and door prizes.

Dates for events in both Durham and Raleigh will be announced at a later time. "Last year's inaugural Duke Athletics Tour was a huge success," said Cutcliffe. "We're looking forward to spending time with our alumni and fans once again this spring."

For more information, please visit www.IronDukes.net or call Samantha Kozub (919-613-7554) or Whitney Dunlap (919-613-7557).

2009 DUKE ATHLETICS TOUR

CHARLOTTE, NC
April 28
5:30-7:00 pm
Blackfinn American Saloon
210 East Trade (Epicentre)
Charlotte, NC 28202

ASHEVILLE, NC
April 29
5:30-7:00 pm
Pack Place - The Forum
2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801

GREENVILLE, NC
May 5
5:30-7:00 pm
Ronald C. Michels Center
2335 Hemby Lane
Greenville, NC 27834

RICHMOND, VA
May 6
5:30-7:00 pm
Roslyn Conference Center
8727 River Road
Richmond, VA 23229

ATLANTA, GA
May 14
6:00-7:30 pm
Fox Sports Grill
261 19th Street
Atlanta, GA 30363

SANFORD/PINEHURST, NC
May 18
5:30-7:00 pm
The Barn
305 Rothney Avenue
Southern Pines, NC 28387

GREENVILLE, SC
May 20
5:30-7:00 pm
Wild Wing Cafe
15 West Washington Street
Greenville, SC 29601

GREENSBORO/HIGH POINT/WINSTON-SALEM, NC
May 21


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Henderson named All American

Wednesday, April 1

Henderson Named To 2009 Wooden All-American Team

LOS ANGELES - Junior Gerald Henderson was one of 11 players named to the 2009 John R. Wooden Award All-American Team as announced by the John R. Wooden Award Committee on Wednesday. Henderson picks up his third All-America honor of the season as he was also a second team selection by Foxsports.com and an Associated Press third team pick.

Henderson led the Blue Devils to a 30-7 record, the program's 11th ACC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen. He was tied for the team lead in scoring at 16.5 points per game, while also ranking second in rebounding (4.9 rpg.) and assists (91) and third in blocked shots (28) and steals (46). Henderson scored in double figures 31 times in 2008-09, including 11 games with 20 or more points scored.

A panel of more than 1,000 voters, comprised of sports media members and college basketball experts from around the nation, had until Monday to cast their votes, a long voting period that allowed voters to evaluate players up through games of the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Voters selected 10 players from the 24 student athletes listed on the ballot, and ranked them from 1 to 10. Wooden Award Voters were asked to take into account performance during the regular season and postseason through games last Sunday, as well as a player's character and academic performance, essential components of an outstanding player in the eyes of Coach John Wooden.

Because of a tie for 10th place in the voting, this year the Wooden All American Team consists of 11 players. The team in alphabetical order is DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh), Stephen Curry (Davidson), Blake Griffin (Oklahoma), Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Luke Harangody (Notre Dame), James Harden (Arizona State), Gerald Henderson (Duke), Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Hasheem Thabeet (Connecticut), Terrence Williams (Louisville) and Sam Young (Pittsburgh).

North Carolina and Pittsburgh both had two players selected to the team. The 2009 All American team features three seniors (Hansbrough, Williams and Young) five juniors, and three sophomores. The Big East tops the list with five Wooden All Americans, followed by the ACC with three. The Pac-10, Southern and Big 12 each have one representative.

Additionally, the top vote-getters and finalists for the Wooden Award, are invited to Los Angeles for the Wooden Award gala. The top finalists will be announced on Monday, April 6. The 2009 Award ceremony, which will include the presentation of the Men's and Women's Wooden Award winners, the Wooden Award All American Teams, and the Legends of Coaching Award to Rick Barnes of the University of Texas, will take place at The Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, April 10th. The winners will receive a contribution from The Los Angeles Athletic Club for their university's general scholarship fund.

Men's 2009 Wooden Award All-American Team
DeJuan Blair Pittsburgh
Stephen Curry # Davidson
Blake Griffin Oklahoma
Tyler Hansbrough ! North Carolina
Luke Harangody # Notre Dame
James Harden Arizona State
Gerald Henderson Duke
Ty Lawson North Carolina
Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut
Terrence Williams Louisville
Sam Young Pittsburgh

! - 2008 Wooden Award Winner
# - 2008 Wooden All American Team

04/01/2009 - Associated Press

McDonald's All American Game

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Duke commitments Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee showcased their talent at the 32nd annual McDonald’s High School All-American game on Wednesday at the Bank United Center in Coral Gables, Fla.

Kelly, who won the three point shootout on Monday, started for the East squad and helped lead them to a 113-110 victory over Plumlee’s West team. The 6’10” Raleigh native, who attends Ravenscroft School, finished the game with six points and two rebounds.

Plumlee, a 6’11 forward from Warsaw, Ind. currently attends the Christ School in Arden, N.C. He tallied six points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and one steal for the West squad. Plumlee’s three-point attempt at the buzzer that would have tied the game hit off the rim.

Kelly and Plumlee increase Duke’s total to 51 McDonald’s All-Americans. Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski has coached all 49 of the previous selections, including current players Gerald Henderson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheye, Kyle Single, Nolan Smit, Lance Thomas and Elliot William. Duke has had at least one participant in every McDonald’s All-American game since 1994.

All proceeds from the game will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Millions of dollars have been raised since the first Game was played in 1978. Every athlete who participated in the McDonald’s All American Game visited a local Ronald McDonald House in Miami earlier this week to experience first-hand how the games impact the local community.