John Henson carved out an impressive legacy in college basketball, particularly during his time with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and rebounding prowess, Henson left an indelible mark on the court. This article delves into the statistical highlights and key moments of his career, showcasing why “John Henson Basketball” is synonymous with collegiate dominance.
During his career at UNC, John Henson participated in 73 games, amassing a remarkable 178 blocked shots, averaging 2.4 blocks per game. This placed him fourth in UNC history for career blocks and established him as the sophomore with the most blocks in the university’s history, surpassing Rasheed Wallace’s previous record of 156. Furthermore, Henson’s block count ranked seventh in ACC history for sophomores, solidifying his early impact on the collegiate basketball scene.
His sophomore season (2010-11) stands out as a pinnacle of his college career. Henson achieved a double-double average, scoring 11.7 points and securing 10.1 rebounds per game, while also blocking an impressive 3.2 shots per contest. This made him only the third Tar Heel in 13 seasons and the 16th ever to achieve a double-double average. His defensive contributions were nationally recognized, earning him the title of top defensive player in the country by Fox Sports.com and Yahoo! Sports. The accolades continued as he was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a first for any Tar Heel. He also earned USBWA all-district honors. Statistically, Henson led the ACC in blocks (3.2 per game) and ranked second in rebounding (10.1 per game). Nationally, he was seventh in blocks. Within the Tar Heels, he topped the charts in rebounding and blocks, and was third in scoring with 11.7 points per game.
Alt text: John Henson, a tall African American basketball player in a white UNC jersey, leaps to block a shot during a college basketball game.
Throughout his sophomore season, Henson consistently delivered strong performances. He scored in double figures in 26 games, including 15 out of 19 ACC games, and demonstrated shooting efficiency with 50.6 percent from the floor in ACC play, ranking fourth in the league. His rebounding was equally impressive, grabbing 10 or more rebounds in 21 games, with a career-high of 18 against Duke in the ACC final. This tied for the second-most double-figure rebound games in a season by a Tar Heel, alongside legends like Billy Cunningham and Antawn Jamison. Notably, he secured 15 or more rebounds in five games and achieved 18 double-doubles, including a streak of nine consecutive double-doubles leading up to the regional semifinal – the longest streak for a Tar Heel since Cunningham in 1965. Nationally, he ranked 11th in double-doubles that season.
In the 2011 NCAA Tournament, Henson continued to be a force. Across four games, he averaged 14.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks. He shot efficiently, making 23 of 48 shots from the floor (.479). One standout performance was against LIU in the second round, where he scored a career-high 28 points, along with 11 rebounds and five blocks. This made him the first Tar Heel to achieve at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks in an NCAA Tournament game. His 28 points were the most for a Tar Heel in their NCAA Tournament debut since 1957. He also tied UNC’s NCAA Tournament record with six blocks against LIU, joining Brendan Haywood and Warren Martin in the record books. Against Marquette in the Sweet Sixteen, despite early foul trouble in the Elite Eight game against Kentucky, Henson still managed to contribute 14 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks.
Alt text: Focused John Henson, a UNC Tar Heels basketball player, in defensive stance with arms raised during a game.
During the 2011 ACC Tournament, despite shooting struggles in the final against Duke, Henson pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds. In the semifinal against Clemson, he scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half and grabbed 11 rebounds. Throughout the regular season of his sophomore year, he had numerous highlights, including tying his career-high with 19 points against Florida State, matching his career-high with seven blocks against Maryland, and grabbing 15 rebounds in multiple games. His defensive impact was evident in key moments, such as defending Reggie Jackson in a close win against Boston College.
In his freshman season (2009-10), Henson already showed glimpses of his potential. He was second on the Tar Heels and fourth in the ACC in blocked shots with 60. He scored 151 points in the last 16 games of the season and made 54 of 105 shots from the floor (.514) in the last 13 games after teammate Ed Davis’s injury. In the NIT, he averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks, demonstrating his consistent contributions even as a freshman. He posted season-bests in rebounds (12) and blocks (5) against Wake Forest and recorded his first double-double against Georgia Tech.
Before UNC, Henson played high school basketball at Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida, and previously at Round Rock High School in Texas. A McDonald’s and Jordan All-American, he averaged 17.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 6.1 blocks per game in his senior year at Sickles, showcasing his all-around game even before college.
John Henson’s college basketball career at UNC is defined by his exceptional defensive abilities, consistent rebounding, and impactful performances in crucial games. His statistical achievements and accolades firmly establish “john henson basketball” as a testament to a dominant force in the collegiate arena.
