It’s the latest fad for prospects in the United States. After Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga this season, another NBA prospect will go through the G-League box instead of the more traditional route drawn by the NCAA or from abroad (Australia in particular).
Scoot Henderson (1m91, 84kg) has indeed become the youngest professional basketball player in the history of the United States, having agreed to the Ignite when he was still only 17 years old. Followed by renowned universities like Auburn and Georgia, the native of Marietta (in Georgia therefore) chose to take the plunge towards the professional world, but a professional world all the same.
“I have the feeling that this is an important moment because I am precisely a pioneer. I am the youngest to make this choice. To be this pioneer for other young guys, it’s crazy for me ”, he told Complex. “There were so many positives that I couldn’t refuse. It’s the perfect opportunity to develop my body, my basketball IQ, my game in all its aspects. “
Surrounded by his parents, Crystal and Chris, who have built their own gym (Next Play 360), Scoot Henderson made his announcement, carefully considered, at the end of a season well led to 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, plus a player of the year title. His mother already wants to cut short all rumors.
“Let me clear something up from the start, he graduated from high school with a GPA of 3.5 (roughly, the bac at 14/20 average) and he’s going to continue his education, his college education and his education in life, which you don’t teach in college, or high school or in any writing set in stone. It’s a great opportunity for him to explore what really interests him and at the same time get his degree. I am happy with the choice we made as a family. “
Manly but correct play
For his part, the father also broached the subject of money. At $ 500,000 a season with the Ignite, Scoot Henderson will earn a significant salary for his age, but derisory if he is destined for the NBA.
“Money was not really a reason”, assure Chris. “He’s mostly focused on his main goal, the NBA. We have not yet discussed what he will do with his money. It will probably be more about helping his community and doing what he can do to secure his own family financially. “
Subject to defensive blows from some of his opponents, including that of the clothesline, Scoot Henderson will this time expose himself to the physical game of the G-League, populated by players who have gone through the NBA or who have in any case finished their university course.
The young prodigy will have to harden himself quickly. But he is confident in his chances.
“I am of a different race. I don’t think there is a single player like me. With all the energy that I bring, a shot in progress, and just my willingness to involve everyone, I am the most selfless, five-star, high-level prospect there is. “
Evoking his Trinity, made up of the work ethic of Damian Lillard, the engine of Russell Westbrook and the mentality of Kobe Bryant, Scoot Henderson feels ready to assume his new status as a pioneer. If we will see for the shoulders, the kid has in any case talent full hands. Perhaps enough to follow another nugget from Georgia, one of the rising stars in the NBA, a certain Anthony Edwards…
