DraftVision Scouts Focus: Shelton Henderson - University of Miami
High-Energy Forward Bringing Athleticism and Defensive Activity
Prospect: Shelton Henderson
Height: 6’6
Weight: 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: Shelton Henderson - University of Miami
Film:
Shelton Henderson is a 6-foot-6 freshman forward at the University of Miami who brings a physical, downhill-oriented style of play that fits well with the modern wing-forward archetype. He has a strong, well-built frame for a player his age and position, and he plays with balance and power rather than relying on elite vertical explosiveness. His comfort finishing through contact and absorbing physical play stands out early, especially for a freshman adjusting to the speed and strength of the college game.
Offensively, Henderson’s game is built around attacking space. He is most effective when he catches the ball with a lane to the rim and can drive decisively off one or two dribbles. He uses his strength and body control to finish around defenders and has shown confidence pulling up from mid-range when defenders cut off his path. His three-point shooting is still developing, but he has the mechanics and willingness to step into open shots, which gives him the potential to become a reliable perimeter threat with continued repetition and confidence. He does not function as a primary creator but thrives as a complementary scorer who benefits from ball movement and spacing within the offense.
Henderson also shows good feel for how to play within a team structure. He moves well without the ball, understands spacing, and tends to find natural scoring windows rather than forcing action. He is a willing passer who keeps the ball moving when help defenders collapse, which adds to his value as a connective piece rather than a ball-dominant wing.
Defensively, Henderson’s physical tools allow him to guard multiple perimeter positions. He uses his strength to hold ground against bigger players and has enough lateral mobility to stay in front of guards and wings. He rebounds actively for his size and competes on both ends of the floor. As with many freshmen, his defensive awareness and off-ball positioning are still developing, but his effort and physical engagement give him a strong foundation to become a reliable defender as he gains experience.
From a projection standpoint, Henderson profiles as a physical two-way wing whose value comes from slashing, toughness, and defensive versatility. In the short term, he fits as a rotation forward who provides energy, rim pressure, and competitive defense. His long-term ceiling will be closely tied to the consistency of his perimeter shooting and his growth as a disciplined team defender. If those areas continue to improve, he has the profile of a modern wing-forward capable of filling a “3-and-D plus slasher” role at the professional level.
Scouting Report: Shelton Henderson - University of Miami
Physical / Athletic Profile
6'6 wing-forward with a strong, well-built frame
Good length and physicality for a perimeter-forward role
Plays with power and balance rather than elite vertical pop
Comfortable absorbing contact and finishing through bodies
Offensive Evaluation
Downhill scorer who thrives attacking closeouts and gaps
Strong finisher at the rim using strength and body control
Shows confidence in mid-range pull-ups and short jumpers
Capable spot-up shooter with developing three-point consistency
Effective in transition and when playing with pace
Not a primary creator but can attack off one or two dribbles effectively
Play Style & Feel
Plays with toughness and competitive edge on every possession
Understands how to play within team structure and spacing
Moves well without the ball and finds scoring windows
Willing passer who keeps the ball moving
Defensive Evaluation
Physical defender who can guard multiple wing positions
Uses strength to hold ground against bigger players
Good lateral movement and willingness to defend
Active rebounder for his size on both ends
Defensive consistency and awareness still developing
Areas for Improvement
Three-point shooting consistency under pressure
Expanding off-the-dribble creation beyond straight-line drives
Defensive anticipation and off-ball positioning
Refining decision-making when attacking crowded lanes
NBA Projection
Projects as a physical two-way wing with complementary scoring ability
Short-term: rotation wing who provides energy, slashing, and defense
Long-term ceiling tied to shooting development and defensive growth
Archetype fits modern “3-and-D plus slasher” forward if skills mature
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