The 7th Annual Jordan Brand Classic will be held April 18th at New York's Mecca of Basketball. This year it will feature (to my knowledge) the first time ever that Central Texas has had a player in the game.
6'10" John Henson formerly of Round Rock HS (TX) who signed this past November with Coach Roy Williiams North Carolina Tar Heels will be one of the marquee names in this prestigious game. He is currently ranked Top 5 in the country by most recruiting services. I personally have John rated as the top potential future NBA player & #2 behind John Wall, in the high school Class of 2009. (Wall is a 5th year prep school player).
I had the pleasure to coach John at the end of his sophomore year as his recruiting went from nothing to his first offer (by Baylor) at the end of April in 2007. From that point forward it was like a dam breaking as nearly every major college coach in the country followed us around to watch every game the Texas D-1 Ambassadors played through the summer of 2007. These included Florida, Kansas, UCLA, USC, Texas, Ohio State etc.
The casual observer usually sees the finished product. However, aside from his God given talent and heighth I know how hard he has worked to reach this point. Countless camps & private training sessions (many of them with aching knees as his body changed from 6'1"-6'10" seemingly overnight) have led him to where he is today.
So many of today's talented players have a less than ideal demeanor, work ethic or character. John is the antithesis of the selfish, self centered player. He was always smiling and he loves the game of basketball. I believe this is what will make him a great pro as well after his career at North Carolina.
Henson's dad, Matt took a job in Tampa, FL this past summer so John is attending Sickle HS. However, we're going to continue to proudly claim him as one of Central Texas' own as we watch him continue to garner accolades and continue to be an ambassador to the game, long after his tenure with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors.
Best of luck John
Coach Max & The Texas D-1 Ambassadors Family
