Henry tastes AAU glory

KUSports.com, KU Basketball Notebook,  May 29, 2008

Xavier Henry, the No. 2 prospect in the recruiting Class of 2009, scored 17 points to help Oklahoma Athletes First to a 71-70 victory over New York’s Gauchos in the title game of the Nike Memorial Day AAU Classic on Monday in Nashville.

Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior-to-be out of Putnam City (Okla.) High, is expected ultimately to choose KU or Memphis.

“Henry's squad won the championship, and he was the main reason for their success,” Rivals.com analyst Jerry Meyer said. “The top prospect in the tournament, Henry put up big scoring numbers throughout the event. Most impressive from a scouting perspective was the way Henry attacked the basket off the dribble rather than settling for long-range jumpers. He looks bigger and stronger every time we see him, and Henry is getting more mileage out of his impressive physique.”

Analysts are starting to believe he may not stick around long in college.

“Simply put, this guy is one of the most well-rounded prospects out there, and he has ‘one-and-done’ written all over him,” said Nathan McCauley of hoopsreport.com.