University of North Carolina Athletics
Jacobs: Unique, On And Off The Court
February 11, 2011 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 11, 2011
by Barry Jacobs, TarHeelBlue.com
Few college basketball players are more fascinating to watch than John Henson, the strikingly constructed, undeniably gifted, irrepressible Tar Heel sophomore.
On or off the court there's something about the coltish Henson that simply makes him seem more vivid, more intriguing than most players, a quality that entertains and delights as he matures before our eyes.
His face is eternally expressive. He'll sprint to help a fallen game official to his feet. He's been known to employ an impromptu kung fu-tinged defensive technique, frenetically jabbing arms and hands at an opponent in a manner that leaves both attacker and defender smiling when the play ended.
A mere 210 pounds on a 6-10 frame, Henson is built like NBA forward Tayshaun Prince, a 6-9 Detroit Piston who weighs only 215 pounds even at age 31. Henson actually put on pounds between seasons to achieve his current weight. "John's a stronger player now than he even realizes himself," coach Roy Williams said recently.
Yet, ask the Tampa, Florida, product if he's learned to take charges from his frontcourt companion, earnest and polished Tyler Zeller, and he jokingly replies that such contact is too painful.
Those who know Henson take such comments as part of his charm. "There's a lot of 12-year-olds more mature than John," Williams said affectionately prior to this season.
When five members of "Blue Steel," this year's walk-on contingent, decided to pull a prank on a teammate, it was Henson whose vehicle was plastered with some 2400 sticky notes. "My car was out there, and they know where I live so I was an easy target," he said.
On a cold night soon afterward, Henson retaliated by affixing a constellation of wet cotton balls to the vehicle of teammate D.J. Johnston. They stuck, and the point was made, Henson reported with a gleam in his eye.
Come game time, the laugh is on opponents.
North Carolina does not officially measure its players' wingspans, so there's no way to scientifically to compare Henson's reach with any predecessor in a Tar Heel uniform. But watch opponents get near him on defense, and it's clear his ability to disrupt shots exceeds their mental grasp.
"His reach is unbelievable," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I don't think there's a better shotblocker in the country." He also called Henson "as good a big guy as there is in the country."
Much as a player seen on tape may not reveal his true quickness and speed, so the high-waisted Henson's wingspan is not fully appreciated until an opponent attempts to avoid his reach, only to have his shot stuffed. "I think sometimes when my matchup shoots the ball, they're not used to seeing an arm that close to their shot," said Henson.
He admitted his reach comes in handy at the dinner table too.
Mix in uncommon timing and self-control, and despite spending roughly half of last season on the perimeter Henson led ACC regulars in the alacrity with which he blocked shots -- one every 9.7 minutes played. This season he's already rejected more shots in fewer minutes, vying with 7-footer Ty Walker of Wake Forest for the ACC lead in total blocks.
Henson even learned to suppress his delight in emphatically swatting balls out of bounds, instead trying the smarter approach of guiding them to teammates.
He and Zeller, both starters in every game this season, blocked 94 shots through the first 23 outings, more than any pair in the ACC. "On defense he's great for me," Zeller said.
Henson also tops the Tar Heels in rebound average (8.7), ranking fifth in the league while playing a mere 24 minutes per game. Zeller averages 7.2 rebounds. Only Maryland has a more prolific duo on the boards.
Zeller leads the Heels in scoring with a 14.5 average, good enough for the ACC's top 10. Henson is third at 11.2, and lately has shown flashes of an effective perimeter jumper. The pair contributed 25 rebounds and 38 of UNC's 73 points in Wednesday's loss against the Blue Devils, making 17 of their 28 field goal tries.
"I'm telling you, Henson has an impact on the game, it shows up in stats but he has more of an impact than that," Krzyzewski said. "I think he's really good. I don't think there's a more unique guy than him. And then Zeller gives them that steadiness inside."
Steadiness is not yet Henson's signature on the floor, certainly not when it comes to the most routine act in the game.
He is, to put it politely, a disappointing free throw shooter. Last year Henson made 43.8 percent of his foul shots. This season, despite practice and attempts to master and repeat the same form on each try, he is even less accurate. "It's all mental," said the native of Greensboro, N.C., site of next month's ACC Tournament.
That difficulty converting free throws is so pronounced, Williams brings Henson to the bench in the final moments of close games, lest opponents intentionally send him to the foul line.
Yet, rather groan or grimace when Henson attempts a free throw, Smith Center crowds remain unfailingly supportive. It's difficult to recall another player who evokes a good-natured ovation, at Chapel Hill or elsewhere, simply for making a foul shot or two in the course of a game.
Fewer still would readily admit hearing the crowd, and accept the mix of encouragement and anxiety encompassed in their cheers in the same warm spirit with which it's offered. "The Smith Center gets the loudest when I make a free throw," Henson said, an assessment that's close to the truth.
Just wait until he makes them on a regular basis.
