Henry averages around 13 points a game for the Jayhawks, and led the team in scoring through the non-conference portion of the schedule. He scored more points in his KU debut than any freshman ever had, surpassing a decades old record held by Norm Cook. Xavier Henry also leads KU in steals, with 43 thefts in 26 games.
Xavier Henry’s statistics compare reasonably well to the freshman numbers posted by Paul Pierce and Brandon Rush—KU’s best small forwards over the last fifteen years. Rush scored and rebounded at a higher level, but played on a team that needed him more than KU needs Henry. Paul Pierce averaged more rebounds but fewer points in the same situation: KU didn’t need Pierce to dominate with Raef LaFrentz, Scott Pollard, Jacque Vaughn and Scot Pollard on their roster.
But is Xavier Henry ready for the NBA?
Despite his success, there have been questions about Henry’s game. He suffered through an eight game slump during conference play, and many wondered if the level of competition improved to the extent that he could no longer dominate with his athleticism and shooting ability. Henry seemed to lose confidence when the intensity of play increased. He lofted air-balls while being unguarded against lesser programs like Nebraska and Iowa State. As his game faltered, broadcasters and fans wondered why he didn’t take advantage of mismatches to get better shots. Henry infrequently drove on taller defenders or posted up smaller ones. He rarely looked for follow-shots by hitting the offensive boards. His “NBA-ready” physique meant little as he contented himself to stand outside the three-point line and hoist jumpers that failed to hit their mark.
His minutes waned with his effectiveness while Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich found themselves in the familiar role of carrying the team through conference play (with considerable help from Marcus Morris). Often he appeared lost on the court, seemingly not knowing when or even how to assert himself. Meanwhile, Brady Morningstar’s minutes rose while subbing for both the faltering Henry and Tyshawn Taylor.
Extended learning curves and slumps are common for freshman, but not for one-year players intent on taking their game to the next level. The best of the one-and-done players didn’t suffer lapses against teams like Colorado. Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Greg Oden and Derrick Rose played well from start to finish. John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins have not faltered for Kentucky. If Henry can’t score against the Colorado Buffaloes, will he have better luck against the Denver Nuggets?
It has been noted that Henry’s freshman statistics measure up well to those of Brandon Rush and Paul Pierce, but no one believed they were ready for the NBA. Despite Henry’s steals totals, both Rush and Pierce were better defenders early in their KU career. They were better passers and ball handlers, as well. This is significant because Xavier Henry might be a “tweener” in the NBA; too small and too much of a finesse player to man the small forward position, and lacking the speed and skills to play guard. If Henry isn’t a natural forward or guard, his NBA career might be very short if he goes pro without sufficiently polishing his game. They might soon be comparing him to Julian Wright instead of Paul Pierce.
No one wants to see Xavier Henry play out his rookie contract in the developmental league, working on his game against other early-entry applicants not ready for the NBA. No one wants the term “one-and-done” to refer to his pro contract, either. KU fans want to see Xavier Henry excel as a professional as Paul Pierce did. They hope Henry will make his tenth consecutive appearance in the 2025 NBA All-Star game. They don’t want him mentioned in the same breath with Jonathan Bender or Gerald Green.
This article is selfishly motivated if ultimately altruistic. I am a KU basketball fan, and I would love to squeeze another year out of Xavier Henry on Mt. Oread. Despite my hopes to see him remain a Jayhawk, I do not write with the naïve intention of convincing anyone of anything. Whenever he chooses to make himself eligible for the NBA draft, I will cheer and support him. It helps KU’s recruiting for high school players to see Jayhawks turn professional. It helps even more, however, if they succeed as pros. If Xavier Henry needs another year of college basketball to mature and develop his game, I hope he takes that extra year rather than rush toward a challenge he isn’t yet prepared to meet. There is no disgrace to playing college ball.
Just ask Brandon Rush.
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