In a significant development for college basketball recruiting, five-star small forward Shelton Henderson has decommitted from Duke University and announced his commitment to the University of Miami. Henderson, a standout from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas, is ranked as the No. 14 player in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. ([Duke Basketball Report][1], [Houston Chronicle][2])
Henderson’s decision comes shortly after former Duke assistant coach Jai Lucas accepted the head coaching position at Miami. Lucas, who played a pivotal role in Henderson’s recruitment to Duke, is also a Bellaire High School alumnus. Their shared background and strong relationship were significant factors in Henderson’s choice to follow Lucas to Miami.([ClutchPoints][3], [Houston Chronicle][2], [Duke Basketball Report][1])
“It was easy to choose Miami because of Coach Jai Lucas,” Henderson told On3. “He believes in me and what I can bring to the program. I just wanted to come into a program and be comfortable knowing I have a great support system, and I think … I can’t wait to get down there … .” ([Houston Chronicle][2])
During his senior season at Bellaire, Henderson averaged 22.3 points … , and 4 assists per game, leading his team to the state championship game and earning Houston Chronicle’s Player of the … honors. ([Houston Chronicle][2])
Henderson’s commitment is a significant boost for Miami’s 2025 recruiting class and marks a strong start for Lucas’s tenure as head coach. The addition of a top-tier talent like Henderson signals Miami’s intent to compete at the highest levels of college basketball.([ClutchPoints][3])
The move also has implications for Duke, as Henderson’s decommitment has impacted their recruiting class rankings. According to reports, Duke’s loss of Henderson dropped them from the No. 1 recruiting class ranking, with the University of Houston moving into the top spot after signing three top-25 prospects. ([Houston Chronicle][2])
As Henderson prepares to join the Hurricanes, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how his presence influences Miami’s performance in the coming seasons. His combination of size, skill, and experience is expected to make an immediate impact on the court.([Duke Basketball Report][1])
With the addition of Henderson, Miami’s future in men’s basketball looks promising, and the program appears poised to make significant strides under Coach Lucas’s leadership.