College Basketball
Shelton Henderson Recruiting: Miami Leads Race, UConn and Kentucky Pushing Late For Duke Decommit
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Shelton Henderson is back on the market and one school has emerged among the pack as his top destination. The five-star wing out of Bellaire High School in Houston was released from his National Letter of Intent with Duke on April 17. Suddenly, the race is wide open for one of the best unsigned prospects in the 2025 class. While Miami is believed to be the 5-star recruit’s next destination, Kentucky and UConn have also emerged as potential landing spots. Below, we’ll go over why each destination makes sense and why the former Duke commit could ultimately sign with an ACC rival.
Why Miami Is In The Lead for Shelton Henderson
- Jai Lucas connection – Miami head coach Jai Lucas was the lead recruiter for Henderson at Duke. He’s also a Bellaire alum and has long-standing ties to Henderson’s AAU program.
- Familiarity – Henderson knows what he’s getting with Lucas. There’s mutual trust and a shared vision.
That familiarity gives Miami a real edge. Multiple reports already link the Hurricanes closely to Henderson, and Lucas appears to have made him a priority. If Henderson signs with the Hurricanes, it would be a huge win for the first-year head coach and could potentially jump start a program that went 7-24 overall and 3-17 in the ACC last season.
UConn Could Be a Sleeper in the Race for Henderson
- Championship culture – UConn has developed a winning culture and has re-established itself as a top-tier development program.
- Wing development – Dan Hurley has turned rugged, athletic wings into pros. Henderson fits that mold.
- Immediate role – With roster turnover, there could be room for Henderson to play right away.
Connecticut hasn’t been linked publicly to Henderson yet, but they are believed to be interested, and if they jump in, there’s a clear on-court case to make.
Kentucky Is Still Possible for Henderson
- Previous interest – Kentucky had early during Henderson’s junior year, and the interest was mutual. He acknowledged the program’s appeal even post-Calipari.
- Need on the wing – With multiple key guards and wings gone, Kentucky has space for Henderson to contribute immediately under Mark Pope.
- NIL upside – The program’s fanbase and branding could open serious NIL doors, especially for a player with Henderson’s on- and off-court profile.
Henderson fits the new Kentucky mold: tough, versatile, and unafraid to defend. Pope’s system could suit him better than Duke’s ever would have.
Other Possibilities
Texas and Louisville were finalists during Henderson’s original recruitment. Either one could get back in the mix. But right now, the momentum is with Miami, while Kentucky and UConn are pushing hard behind the scenes.
