POSTERIZED: John Henson uses his length

They say that "You can't teach 'length'".

Next to Kentucky's Anthony Davis, UNC's John Henson is the longest player in the country. His limbs extend to infinity.

While that's saying is true, you can certainly draw up plays for 'length'.

And that's exactly what the Tar Heels did against Virginia on Saturday.



That's just too easy. Just get the ball near the rim, and if Henson is within the city-limits, he's going to dunk in home.

(H/T Tarheel Blog)

But was it as good as these?

C.J. Aiken, St. Joseph's vs. Temple, 2/25
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis, Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt, 2/25
Dion Waiters, Syracuse vs. UConn, 2/25
Weekend Recap, 2/18
Tony Wroten Jr./Aziz N'Diaye, Washington vs. Arizona, 2/18
Chris Czerapowicz, Davidson vs. Wichita State, 2/18
Darius Miller, Kentucky vs. Ole Miss, 2/18
Darrion Pellom, Hampton vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore 2/15 (DotY Candidate)
Trency Jackson, Northwest Florida vs. Chipola, 2/15
Kwame Alexander, Cal St. San Bernadino, 2/12
Weekend Recap, 2/10 - 2/12
Kyisean Reed, Utah State vs. Louisiana Tech, 2/9
Joshea Singleton, Bucknell vs. Colgate, 2/8
Kelsey Barlow, Purdue vs. Ohio State, 2/7
Markel Brown, Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State, 2/7
Roscoe Smith, UConn vs. Louisville, 2/7
Weekend Recap, 2/2 - 2/5
Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State vs. TCU, 2/4
Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse vs. St. John's, 2/4
Kwame Alexander, Cal State-San Bernardino vs. Cal State-Dominguez Hills (D-II), 2/3
Bradley Beal, Florida vs. South Carolina, 2/2
Doug Anderson, Detroit vs. Valparaiso, 2/2
Thomas Robinson, Kansas vs. Oklahoma, 2/1
Markel Brown, Oklahoma state vs. Texas Tech, 1/31
Royce White, Iowa State vs. Kansas State, 1/31
Savalace Townsend, Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Grambling State, 1/28 (DotY Candidate)
Weekend Recap, 1/25 - 1/29
Tony Wroten Jr., Washington vs. Arizona State, 1/26 (DotY Candidate)
Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's vs. Dayton, 1/25
Markel Brown, Oklahoma State vs. Missouri, 1/25 (DotY Candidate)
Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming vs. San Diego State, 1/24
Dion Dixon, Cincinnati vs. Syracuse, 1/23
Victor Rudd Jr., South Florida vs. St. John's, 1/17 (DotY Candidate)
C.J. Fair, Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh, 1/16
TrayVonn Wright, North Dakota State vs. South Dakota, 1/14
Bandja Sy, New Mexico State vs. Utah State, 1/12
Kenny Hall, Tennessee vs. Mississippi State, 1/12
Dezmine Wells, Xavier vs. Duquesne, 1/11
Kadeem Batts, Providence vs. Louisville, 1/10
Karam Mashour, UNLV vs. CS-Bakersfield, 1/6
Tony Snell, New Mexico vs. Houston Baptist, 1/3
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Georgia Tech, 1/3
Trevis Simpson, UNC-Greensboro vs. Miami, 1/2
Orion Outerbridge, Rhode Island vs. Boston College, 1/2
Sam Thompson, Ohio State vs. Indiana, 12/31
DeShon Minnis, Texas Tech vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 12/30
Keith Gabriel, VMI vs. Old Dominion, 12/22
Eric Etherly, Loyola (Md.) vs. Kentucky, 12/22
Chris Evans, Kent State vs. Texas-Arlington, 12/21
P.J. Hairston, North Carolina vs. Texas, 12/21
Robbie Hummel, Purdue vs. IPFW, 12/20
Robert Brown, Virginia Tech vs. North Florida, 12/19
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Kansas State, 12/17
Torye Pelham, Southern Mississippi vs. Ole Miss, 12/17
Quincy Diggs, Akron vs. Florida A&M, 12/17
Anthony Davis, Kentucky vs. Chattanooga, 12/17
Langston Galloway/C.J. Aiken/Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's vs. Villanova, 12/17
Terrence Ross, Washington vs. UC-Santa Barbara, 12/16
Jared Cunningham, Oregon State vs. Howard, 12/15
Raheem Appleby, Louisiana Tech vs. McNeese State, 12/14
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Detroit, 12/12
Vander Blue, Marquette vs. UW-Green Bay, 12/11
Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's vs. Creighton, 12/10
Dion Waiters, Syracuse vs. George Washington, 12/10 (DotY Candidate)
Victor Oladipo, Indiana vs. Kentucky, 12/10
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, 12/10
Vander Blue, Marquette vs. Washington, 12/6
Terrence Ross, Washington vs. Marquette, 12/6
Deville Smith, Mississippi State vs. West Virginia, 12/3
Terrence Jones, Kentucky vs. North Carolina, 12/3
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Georgetown, 12/1
Anthony Marshall, UNLV vs. UNC, 11/26
Michael Kidd-Glichrist, Kentucky vs. Portland, 11/26/11 (DotY Candidate)
Markel Brown, Oklahoma State vs. Virginia Tech, 11/25
Rodney Williams, Minnesota vs. DePaul, 11/24
Thomas Robinson, Kansas vs. Duke, 11/23
Stan Okoye, VMI vs. Ohio State, 11/23
Kyisean Reed, Utah State vs. Southern Utah, 11/19
Ra'Shad James, Iona vs. Western Michigan, 11/18
Alandise Harris, Houston vs. Arkansas, 11/18
Sam Thompson, Ohio State vs. Jackson State, 11/18
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Wichita State, 11/18
Eric Griffin, Campbell vs. North Carolina A&T, 11/18 (DotY Candidate)
Olek Czyz, Nevada vs. Pacific, 11/17
Chris Watson, Pikeville vs. Mountain State, 11/16
Ray Willis, North Carolina Central vs. Wagner, 11/16
Mike James, Lamar vs. Ohio, 11/15 (DotY Candidate)
Quincy Acy, Baylor vs. San Diego State, 11/15
Deniz Kilicli, West Virginia vs. Kent State, 11/15
Chris Evans, Kent State vs. West Virginia, 11/15
Tony Mitchell, Alabama vs. Oakland, 11/14
Isaiah Brown, East Tennessee State vs. Virginia Tech, 11/12
Michael Lyons, Air Force vs. Army, 11/11
Dezmine Wells, Xavier vs. Morgan State, 11/11
Jeremy Lamb, UConn vs. Columbia, 11/11 (DotY Candidate)
Andre Drummond, UConn vs. CW Post, 11/4
Moe Harkless, St. John's vs. CW Post, 10/26 Continue reading...

John Henson's Carrier Classic jersey on sale on EBay

The Carrier Classic was a great event not just because it was a game played in a unique setting between two powerhouse college basketball programs.

What made it so special was that the game's purpose was to honor the our nation's true heroes on Veteran's Day. After the game, Tar Heels power forward John Henson gave his jersey to a wounded veteran on the ship. This wasn't just any jersey, mind you. This was a specially designed uniform, one that was talked about for weeks leading up to the game.

And what did that veteran do with the Jersey?

He sold it on eBay.

Or at least he attempted too. Right before halftime of the West Virginia-Kent State game -- which would put the time at approximately 10:50 am ET -- John Henson tweeted out a link to the page where the jersey was being sold. The asking price? $1,525.

"Whoever is selling my jersey I gave to a wounded veteran from the ship is not cool at all... smh.." Henson tweeted. "Hopefully he is selling it for a good cause."

By 11:05 am on Monday morning, the item was taken down and the profile -- ratboi39 -- was deleted. Luckily, I grabbed a screen shot. (How awesome am I?):


I'm in the middle of the Hoops Marathon Live-Blog, but I feel like it goes without saying -- we don't pay these athletes and we don't allow them to profit off their likeness, but would that jersey be worth $1,525 if Henson hadn't played in it?
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POSTERIZED: John Henson from Kendall Marshall

We need a better term than Posterized for this highlight. The dunk is not what is impressive here. Its the pass. And Marshall's no-look, over-the-shoulder, against-his-momentum pass is one of the sickest passes I have ever seen in my life.

To really appreciate just how difficult the pass he threw is, wait for the first replay. He is off-balance, driving to his right, and on the other side of the rim when he threads the needle with a pass at an absurd angle. The pass is impressive. The fact that Marshall actually saw Henson may be more impressive.

I've watched this clip about 10 times already today. If you appreciate a gorgeous assist as much as I do, you'll probably do the same:



Was this as good as the rest of the dunks for 2010-2011?

POSTERIZED - Terrence Jones, Kentucky
POSTERIZED - Rodney Williams, Minnesota
POSTERIZED - Joe Jackson, Memphis
POSTERIZED - Shay Shine, High Point
POSTERIZED - Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
POSTERIZED - Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion
POSTERIZED - CJ Fair, Syracuse
POSTERIZED - LeBryan Nash
POSTERIZED - Rodney Williams, Minnesota
POSTERIZED - Travis Leslie, Georgia
POSTERIZED - Terrence Jones, Kentucky
POSTERIZED - Marcus Jordan, Central Florida
POSTERIZED - Lorenzo Brown, NC State
POSTERIZED - Tai Wesley, Utah State
POSTERIZED - Trent Lockett, Arizona State, and Derrick Williams, Arizona
POSTERIZED - Brandon Paul, Illinois
POSTERIZED - Jordan Hamilton, Texas

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John Henson is packing on the pounds, or at least trying to

John Henson was a consensus top ten recruit coming out of high school. That's what happens when you are 6'10" with a ridiculous wingspan and the athleticism to get out and run the floor.

But in the day and age where freshman, especially those considered the best recruits in the country, are expected to contribute immediately, Henson had a somewhat disappointing freshman campaign. While you could see flashes of his talent -- whether he was swooping in for an emphatic block or finishing a break with a dunk -- it was clear that Henson has some potential.

That said, Henson averaged just a measly 5.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg in his first season at Chapel Hill.

Why?

He was too skinny. At just 183 lb, Henson got tossed around in the paint by the behemoths of the ACC, and despite Roy Williams' attempts to move him to the perimeter, it was clear that Henson was most effective in the post, and that he needed a good 40-50 pounds added to his frame.

That extra weight will become all the more important next season, as he the UNC front court won't be as loaded as it has been the past two seasons. Other than Henson, the Tar Heels will have Tyler Zeller, who has yet to play an injury-free season, and Alabama-transfer Justin Knox.

That's it.

To his credit, some of the work seems to be paying off for Henson. This AP report says that Henson has already worked his way up to 210 pounds this off-season, which is a good start considering he still has a full three months before Midnight Madness. Take a look at Henson's diet:

His breakfast Tuesday morning consisted of six eggs with cheese and grilled chicken. Then over the past month, he would typically hit Subway after going to summer school classes, then stop by Chipotle for a burrito after study hall. From there, he’d come to workout with [strength and conditioning coach Jonas] Sahratian for around two hours before downing a protein shake and chasing that with a big dinner a short time later.

I've never had a problem putting on weight (quite the opposite in fact, I'm pushing 230 lb these days), but the difference is that Henson is a finely tuned athletic machine. Henson likely works out more before lunch than I do in a week, which means that he burns off most of the calories he eats.

Henson is a work in progress. Changing your body is not something that happens overnight (unless you're Brady Anderson). If Henson can get up to 220 lb this offseason, and keep that weight and strength on during the season, with his length and athleticism he can be a very good player in the ACC.

And as a college basketball fan, its great when you see a kids hard work pay off.

I just hope his teammates don't get a hold of this quote from Sahratian:

He’s got the most minuscule joints you’ve ever seen. His waist is like a wasp’s waist. Most girls would kill for it.

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No. 7: 2009-2010 Team Preview: North Carolina Tar Heels

2008-2009 Record: 34-4, 13-3 ACC (1st)

Key Losses: Tyler Hansbrough (20.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Ty Lawson (16.6 ppg, 5.6 apg), Wayne Ellington (15.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Danny Green (13.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg)

Key Returners: Deon Thompson (10.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Ed Davis (6.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg)

Newcomers: David Wear, Travis Wear, Leslie McDonald, John Henson, Dexter Strickland

Ed Davis has the potential to be a star this season.
(photo credit: Zimbio)

Can any team in the country say they lost more talent than the Tar Heels did? Not only are they losing the players, but in Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough, they lost the guys that gave them their identity. That said, North Carolina brings in an absolutely loaded recruiting class, which combined with the stud freshman Roy Williams brought into the program last season, give him plenty of potential to work with.

Not to put too much pressure on him, but the key to this team's season is going to be sophomore point guard Larry Drew. Ty Lawson was the engine that made UNC go last year. His ability to push the ball in transition and break down a defender in the half court is a major reason that the Heels were able to take advantage of the talent they had on the offensive end of the floor. Can Drew do that same? He isn't as quick as Lawson (few are), but he has shown some ability to get into the paint and find an open man. His three point shot is about where Lawson's was at this point in his career as well - below average. Drew has a lot to prove this season, and his ability to run this team will be instrumental in how good the Heels end up being.

Another big change is going to be UNC's shooting ability. Last year, guys like Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Bobby Frasor were very good shooters. This season, the UNC wings are going to be far from great from the perimeter. Marcus Ginyard, who is back from the injury that forced him to redshirt last season, is an excellent player. He will defend, he will attack the rim, he will rebound, but he isn't an explosive offensive talent like an Ellington, or even a Green. The same can be said for junior Will Graves, who butted heads a bit with Williams last season.

As with every position on the court, UNC is going to rely heavily on their young guys on the wings. Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald are both highly touted freshman joining the program. Strickland is a combo guard. His size and athleticism make him dangerous on the wing, as he excels when he is able to get out in transition or when he is attacking the basket. He will be able to slide over and play some point as well. An improved shooter during his senior season, Strickland is still a ways from being considered a real threat from deep. McDonald is not quite the slasher that Strickland is, but he may be a better shooter (he is probably the Heels best shooter on the perimeter). One of the comparisons I have been seeing a lot of is that McDonald is Marcus Ginyard with a better jumper. Probably not a starter, but he is a guy that will provide a lot of good minutes for the Heels.

Williams has said that 6'10" freshman John Henson is going to see a lot of minutes on the perimeter. Henson could be an x-factor for UNC. He is a play maker that always seems to be around the ball - whether it is making a backdoor pass for a lay-up, blocking a shot, grabbing a rebound and going coast-to-coast. The consensus seems to be that Henson is a 6'10" combo forward with a 7'1" wing span and the perimeter skills of a guard. If he develops this season, Henson has the chance to be a weapon in UNC's full court attack.

The Heels inside play has a bunch of question marks as well. Back are Deon Thompson and Ed Davis. Davis has the potential to be a game-changing big man. He is long, athletic, and aggressive on the boards. Davis also provides the Heels with a shot blocking presence they have not had in a long time. His biggest problem right now is that he has not proven the ability to score with his back to the basket. That said, a breakout season, a la Cole Aldrich, out of Davis has been predicted by many. Thompson is a known commodity. He doesn't really do anything great, but he is a solid all-around post. He is a decent scorer, either backing his man down or facing him up. He'll grab some rebounds. He'll play some decent post defense. With the youth on the Heels front line, Williams is going to count on Thompson for leadership and consistency.

The other three guys up front will be Tyler Zeller and David and Travis Wear. Zeller had a bit of a disappointing freshman season, as a broken wrist suffered in the season's second game kept him out for the bulk of the season. But Zeller has talent. He is a legitimate seven footer, but his strength on the offensive end of the court is his perimeter game. He can shoot it (and may actually be the best shooter on the roster) and he can put the ball on the floor and go by an opposing center. According to reports, Zeller has been playing with the first team over Davis in early season practices.

The 6'9" Wear twins are similar to Zeller. The two are essentially the same player, with David being better offensively and Travis better defensively. Both are excellent with the ball in their hands, shooting the ball from the perimeter and using the bounce to get to the basket. The problem is that neither are good with their back to the basket.

In fact, none of the UNC bigs are that good with their back to the basket, which is why there may be a change to the UNC offense this season. Last year, the Heels looked inside to Hansbrough quite a bit, as Pyscho T was able to score with two and three defenders draped over him in the post. No one on the UNC roster can play like that this year. With how good most of the UNC bigs are facing up with the ball in their hands, Roy will look run even more of a spread attack. The two bigs will operate at the high post a lot, allowing more space for guys to slash to the rim because players like the Wears, Thompson, Zeller, and even Henson are a threat from 17 feet.

Outlook: UNC is going to be raw this season, as they have a ton of youth and inexperience on the roster. Even senior leader Marcus Ginyard is coming off of a season where he played just three games. The Heels are still going to run, but their secondary break is going to be a bit different. Instead of dumping the ball in to Hansbrough and allowing him to score or kick out to a shooter, the Heels are going to look to get their touches in the paint via penetration from the wings. An area where UNC should be better this season is defensively. Davis, Henson, and Zeller are all capable shot blockers, and guys like Strickland, McDonald, Ginyard, and Drew are defensive improvements on the perimeter. In short, UNC has the talent to be a Final Four team, but whether or not these kids develop into a group that can make it that far remains to be seen.
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