Not sure why everyone is so high on Xavier Henry. Never really impressed me this year when I saw him.
I don't know how much you got to see him play, but living just 20 minutes from Kansas University, I was able to watch ALL his college games.
He was the second highest scoring player on arguably the best college team in the country. Admittedly, his stats (13.4 ppg, 4.4 rebounds) aren't very impressive, but in my opinion, that's only because he shared the court with senior Sherron Collins and junior Cole Aldrich. On lesser teams I have no doubt that he could've averaged between 25 and 30 ppg. He's a very unselfish player and probably could've scored 20 ppg even on that Jayhawks team if he was more of a ball hog.
From
USA Today:
A smooth left-handed shooter who scored mostly from the outside, Henry was a starter from the opening day on a team that finished 32-3. Even though he was one of the most highly sought players ever to sign with Kansas, Henry proved a good teammate who never tried to hog the ball or the spotlight.
From
Rivals.com:
A do everything guard at 6-foot-6, Henry has the tools to be a star at the highest level. He is a prolific scorer with a complete arsenal of scoring moves. And with his size and athleticism, he can defend as well as rebound with the big boys.
DraftExpress lists his strengths as:
- All-around offensive polish
- Efficiency
- Scoring instincts
- Commitment to playing defense
- Defensive fundamentals
- Intelligence
- Likelihood of reaching potential
- Role-player potential
- Strong Intangibles
- Understands limitations
- Solid passer
- Above average athleticism
- Coordination
- NBA body
- Size for position
- 3-point range
- 3-point shooting percentages
And according to
NBADraft.net:
Strengths: Eighteen year old freshman with an effortless, fluid style ... His body is NBA ready - built like a freight train possessing tremendous strength ... Ideal frame for a shooting guard or small forward at the next level. Naturally gifted scorer (28 ppg as a HS senior) with a deadly shooting eye. Prolific shooter from beyond the arc with tremendous range. Pure stroke with a quick, smooth release. No hitches ... Uses his legs very well on his shot getting good lift ... Effective slashing to the hoop where he can attack the rim and seek out contact ... Finishes extremely well, shrugging off defenders with ease ... Gets to the free throw line regularly and is automatic. Active on the glass ... Can be a terrific rebounding wing with his strength and freakish wingspan (6.7 per game in 2009 and 7.2 in 2008) ... A thief when playing off the ball defensively, reading passing lanes and intercepting passes (1.7 spg through his first seven collegiate games). Refreshing positive attitude on the court. Always smiling, seeming to truly enjoy the game of basketball ... Hard worker and very coachable, which is rare for a player of his stature.
Henry's biggest weaknesses are that he doesn't have explosive speed, and he turns over the ball too much, but I think ball handling skills can be coached.
IMHO, Xavier would be a much needed outside shooter who would spread the floor and create opportunities for Rose and LeBron (or whatever superstar we end up with.)
Unfortunately, I think he'll get snatched up before the Bulls get to pick. At any rate, I do tend to think that a player like Anderson might be a better fit for this Bulls team, but if Henry falls I would love to see the Bulls get him.
