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.