Gerald Henderson Draft Status -- Pre-Announcement thread

[johaad]

he could pull a Tebow! :D

As much as I dislike the gators, it would be great if G could do this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90NA_xVi3O0&feature=related

[hughgs]

If Duke can't confirm anything, is G even on campus?

I've seen him studying on campus earlier this week.

[Duke #33]

I've seen him studying on campus earlier this week.

That is good news.

[johaad]

Let me start by saying this is completely baseless but I saw it on TDD and figured I'd put it up. It is so baseless that apparently it is now a locked thread. Either way, its a different scenario in the G situation. I doubt this guy really has any inside info but just in case.
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=167&f=1386&t=4255830

[Oriole Way]

Let me start by saying this is completely baseless but I saw it on TDD and figured I'd put it up. It is so baseless that apparently it is now a locked thread. Either way, its a different scenario in the G situation. I doubt this guy really has any inside info but just in case.
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=167&f=1386&t=4255830

If it was a well-respected poster on there, it might be interesting, but for all we know it could be a UNC fan trying to stir things up.

We can always hope, I guess.

[johaad]

Exactly. I don't think whoever wrote it posts stuff very often. Let's still keep though.

[TheBrianZoubekExperience]

Let me start by saying this is completely baseless but I saw it on TDD and figured I'd put it up. It is so baseless that apparently it is now a locked thread. Either way, its a different scenario in the G situation. I doubt this guy really has any inside info but just in case.
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=167&f=1386&t=4255830

What does it say?

[johaad]

What does it say?

It basically says that G changed his mind and is deciding to stay for his senior year. The poster says that he doesn't have a website that says it. He says a doctor ( I think) close to Duke basketball told him this. Again, no online or print source. Basically, hear say.

[Notthatguy]

For the record, he already has a Benz...

Two things - #1 - if you are going to quote me please use the entire quote including the title

#2 - my post was not to suggest that he had a benz or not - rather that his dream car/vehicle was a Range Rover. I believe I read that on Duke's official website. If I am wrong please correct me. Thank you much for your valuble insight on what he drives. I am glad to know that a mod has such inside information. (???) The OP's comment was much deeper than his post suggested - at least that is what I took from it.

[weezie]

Hi,

I have never been to a banquet (should have gone when I worked at Duke, but I was always studying for finals or what have you). Does each player speak for an equal amount of time? Do only the seniors usually speak? Is there a "guest" speaker? Is there an already printed program? Would G, if he wanted to, have an opportunity to say how he feels about staying, going, etc.? I imagine other schools must have banquets too, so are all these other guys who are saying they want out doing it after their banquet? When was UNC's banquet? (My that must be fun, if there is a Hell and the Good Lord says I have to go, I bet that is where I get sent for eternity--one UNC banquet after another since the beginning of those wretched affairs...I am glad I still have time to repent for all my sins. :D)

GO DUKE!

First of all, nobody cares about any tarhole banquet. The very idea is sickening since they all eat with their feet.

The Duke banquet is, on the other hand, cultured and refined. All players are usually introduced, K speaks, asst coaches give out individual awards. No guest speakers (unless yours truly is coaxed into doing a few jokes :D.) Seniors then get video montages and then they speak, and senior parents applauded. And then I usually get teary-eyed.
G will not get solo time as he is not, yet, a senior. I wasn't at JWill's last banquet so I don't know if he had a vid but I'll bet he did since he was ready to graduate.
I can't and then again, can wait. I don't want to face up to the reality of G's leaving.

[Grey Devil]

As much as I dislike the gators, it would be great if G could do this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90NA_xVi3O0&feature=related

Well, if you are the superstitious type, and are looking for good omens, they do share the same number on their jerseys.

Grey Devil

[superdave]

Two things - #1 - if you are going to quote me please use the entire quote including the title

#2 - my post was not to suggest that he had a benz or not - rather that his dream car/vehicle was a Range Rover. I believe I read that on Duke's official website. If I am wrong please correct me. Thank you much for your valuble insight on what he drives. I am glad to know that a mod has such inside information. (???) The OP's comment was much deeper than his post suggested - at least that is what I took from it.

I'm assuming that Gerald Henderson actually does drive a Mercedes Benz. What's the big deal? Did I miss something that that touched a nerve here?

At least in Durham he'd get to drive it. In the NBA, he'd be riding on buses and charters all the time. So there's that as a consideration!

Super "I drive a Honda" Dave

[Shammrog]

I'm assuming that Gerald Henderson actually does drive a Mercedes Benz. What's the big deal? Did I miss something that that touched a nerve here?

At least in Durham he'd get to drive it. In the NBA, he'd be riding on buses and charters all the time. So there's that as a consideration!

Super "I drive a Honda" Dave

Dave - I drive a Honda, too! :)

[soccerstud2210]

Well, if you are the superstitious type, and are looking for good omens, they do share the same number on their jerseys.

Grey Devil

That's what I'm talking about! :D

[DukieInKansas]

The Basketball Banquet seems like the perfect time to announce a return to Duke for his senior year!:D

That's what I have been hoping for/thinking is going to happen.

[johaad]

do you know if the banquet is televised or put online or anything?

[DukieInKansas]

do you know if the banquet is televised or put online or anything?

I really don't know. My guess is not live anyway but maybe some clips later on Blue Planet? Fortunately, DBR Posters that attend usually post highlights. Hopefully, G announcing that he is staying is one of the highlights. Although, he may not want to detract from the Seniors, so he won't say anything.

Dream sequence - G hands Jordan Davidson a note as Jordan is speaking. Jordan reads note aloud - "Dear Duke Family, I've enjoyed my 3 years here so much that I want to stay and have my Senior video montage. I look forward to next year's banquet. Love, Gerald" :D

(A Fantasy life is a good thing!)

[MulletMan]

I would be completely stunned if Gerald makes any announcement tonight. This is a night for Greg, Dave and Marty. I was, however, trying to figure out if G would ever end up at the mic to recieve any of the awards the team gives out....? :D

You know... just in case...

[msdukie]

I really don't know. My guess is not live anyway but maybe some clips later on Blue Planet? Fortunately, DBR Posters that attend usually post highlights. Hopefully, G announcing that he is staying is one of the highlights. Although, he may not want to detract from the Seniors, so he won't say anything.

Dream sequence - G hands Jordan Davidson a note as Jordan is speaking. Jordan reads note aloud - "Dear Duke Family, I've enjoyed my 3 years here so much that I want to stay and have my Senior video montage. I look forward to next year's banquet. Love, Gerald" :D

(A Fantasy life is a good thing!)

That would be a great dream, but for the fact that Jordan won't be speaking as he has enjoyed his 4 years at Duke so much, that he is staying a 5th year to wait for his senior video montage and speech.

[DukieInKansas]

That would be a great dream, but for the fact that Jordan won't be speaking as he has enjoyed his 4 years at Duke so much, that he is staying a 5th year to wait for his senior video montage and speech.


:o Don't you go ruining my fantasy with the truth now, that is just mean! :D

I mean Martynas Pocius, not Jordan. Yeah, that's the ticket!

[senkiri]

does anyone going to the banquet twitter? and if so could you post your twitter name so that people can follow your banquet related updates... because who can wait until after the banquet for information when you can possibly get it almost-live?

[jma4life]

JWill did have a video at the banquet. Song was R. Kelly's The World's Greatest. I assume it's because he was on the three year plan and was thus graduating in three years, the same reason his jersey was retired.

[SupaDave]

does anyone going to the banquet twitter? and if so could you post your twitter name so that people can follow your banquet related updates... because who can wait until after the banquet for information when you can possibly get it almost-live?

Wow - how about getting out the house every once in a while...

[johaad]

Wow - how about getting out the house every once in a while...

:D Awesome

[Methodistman]

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke/story/5021920/

WRAL doesn't seem to speculate as much this time. I love how they now say that Scott Jackson of 99.9 The Fan is the one who reported that he was going pro. That way if he comes back they can say that he said it; but if he does go pro they can say they reported it since 99.9 is a part of the WRAL family.

[geraldsneighbor]

It doesn't mention a press conference, which is interesting.

[johaad]

Yeah, it seems like they just assume since "nothing tonight", it must mean "something tomorrow". Still no facts.

[geraldsneighbor]

Yeah, it seems like they just assume since "nothing tonight", it must mean "something tomorrow". Still no facts.

Yeah, I mean in all honesty we all knew Saturday would be the day. I don't think it takes a genius to figure that one out. Hopefully, he stays but I'm telling myself he isn't. It'll suck if he leaves no matter what way I look at it though.

[moonpie23]

Wow - how about getting out the house every once in a while...

twitter is awesome. I am twittering from my son's baseball game as we p
Speak......er, post..er.......text.

[allenmurray]

twitter is awesome. I am twittering from my son's baseball game as we p
Speak......er, post..er.......text.

That is so sad. Watch the game.

[TwoDukeTattoos]

...when you hear as much unofficial press about someone going pro as we've heard about G, 99 times out of 100, you can bet your bottom dollar that they're going pro. So, let's not act surprised. In my mind, G has been gone since we lost to Nova. In fact, he's been so gone that we're in extreme contention for Wall. Do you think we'd actually be the "unofficial" leader to land Wall if K and Wall actually thought that G were coming back to school? Seriously, let's not be delusional. While G will greatly be missed, Wall (if we end up landing him) could end up being an even better fit as long as he's as good as he's hyped, and I've read very little to suggest otherwise. Imagine a dynamic PG, 6'4" in stature, who can score AND dish with the best of them.

Think 'Melo with "Cuse in "03 and Rose with Memphis in '08.

Go Duke.

[FireOgilvie]

...when you hear as much unofficial press about someone going pro as we've heard about G, 99 times out of 100, you can bet your bottom dollar that they're going pro. So, let's not act surprised. In my mind, G has been gone since we lost to Nova. In fact, he's been so gone that we're in extreme contention for Wall. Do you think we'd actually be the "unofficial" leader to land Wall if K and Wall actually thought that G were coming back to school? Seriously, let's not be delusional. While G will greatly be missed, Wall (if we end up landing him) could end up being an even better fit as long as he's as good as he's hyped, and I've read very little to suggest otherwise. Imagine a dynamic PG, 6'4" in stature, who can score AND dish with the best of them.

Think 'Melo with "Cuse in "03 and Rose with Memphis in '08.

Go Duke.


There's no way G had made up his mind back then, because he would have announced by now. He's one of the very last people to announce, and it's not because he's had it set in stone that he's leaving. I'm sure he's been leaning towards going pro, but that doesn't mean it's a done deal.

Also, I totally disagree with you about Wall and G. Wall has said that G is a player he would like to play with. It's not like they play the same position, and there is absolutely no one on Duke's team that will hold Wall back from getting minutes. I think G coming back would be a positive for Wall.

I think G is probably gone, but it's not a lock. I have a feeling he wants to go all in no matter which way he goes. He is either going to come back or leave and hire an agent. I doubt he "tests the waters," unless he truly can't make up his mind in time.

[msdukie]

Seriously, can we change the front page DBR headline? DBR says "Henderson to announce for draft tomorrow" and then links to an article that basically says "Henderson to announce future tomorrow (maybe)." The headline should be changed to something like that.

I also think we all need to take a step back and stop obsessing over this. I had a wonderful evening watching a smorgasboard of fun on ACC Select. I got to see the Duke women beat UNC 14-4 in ACC Lax Semi action and watch the men in the ACC Semis beat UVa again 16-5, in Chapel Hill, setting up a Duke-UNC finale.

As I type this, baseball is up 12-2 in the top of the 8th against BC.

[Kedsy]

...when you hear as much unofficial press about someone going pro as we've heard about G, 99 times out of 100, you can bet your bottom dollar that they're going pro. So, let's not act surprised. In my mind, G has been gone since we lost to Nova. In fact, he's been so gone that we're in extreme contention for Wall. Do you think we'd actually be the "unofficial" leader to land Wall if K and Wall actually thought that G were coming back to school? Seriously, let's not be delusional. While G will greatly be missed, Wall (if we end up landing him) could end up being an even better fit as long as he's as good as he's hyped, and I've read very little to suggest otherwise. Imagine a dynamic PG, 6'4" in stature, who can score AND dish with the best of them.

Think 'Melo with "Cuse in "03 and Rose with Memphis in '08.

Go Duke.

Why do you think there's any connection between G's decision and Wall's decision?

[houstondukie]

Seriously, can we change the front page DBR headline? DBR says "Henderson to announce for draft tomorrow" and then links to an article that basically says "Henderson to announce future tomorrow (maybe)." The headline should be changed to something like that.
I also think we all need to take a step back and stop obsessing over this. I had a wonderful evening watching a smorgasboard of fun on ACC Select. I got to see the Duke women beat UNC 14-4 in ACC Lax Semi action and watch the men in the ACC Semis beat UVa again 16-5, in Chapel Hill, setting up a Duke-UNC finale.

As I type this, baseball is up 12-2 in the top of the 8th against BC.

I agree, poor form by DBR.

[Chicago 1995]

There's no way G had made up his mind back then, because he would have announced by now.

I don't know if he made up his mind as soon as the season ended, but that G would have made a decision some time ago and held off until after tonight's banquet to announce makes a lot of sense.

That's what I understand has/will happen. That G has made his decision and is going to the league, but that he wanted to announce after the banquet.

[superdave]

Think 'Melo with "Cuse in "03 and Rose with Memphis in '08.

Go Duke.

Except Melo won the title and was the 3rd pick in 2003. And Rose was title runner-up in 2008 and the #1 pick. Gerald made the Sweet 16 and is likely 10-20 in the draft.

Let's compare apples to apples, and make sure its on the same continent here.

[ice-9]

Seriously, can we change the front page DBR headline? DBR says "Henderson to announce for draft tomorrow" and then links to an article that basically says "Henderson to announce future tomorrow (maybe)." The headline should be changed to something like that.

Isn't the deadline to declare on Sunday? So, the announcement (if there is one) will have to be on Saturday or Sunday. Likely Saturday so DBR's headline isn't too far off.


I also think we all need to take a step back and stop obsessing over this . . . As I type this, baseball is up 12-2 in the top of the 8th against BC.

Says the guy posting in DBR on the G to NBA thread while watching a baseball game!

[geraldsneighbor]

Is G doing it through a press release or will there be a press conference?

[HCheek37]

People are probably going to rip you for this post...

I dont care...i've been a duke fan since i've been alive and after seeing G from a 10th row seat at TD Banknorth Gardena against an agressive Villanova team shoot terribly I believe he needs another year. Honestly if he came back and he had the same season combined with people around him stepping up and the new guys stepping in he would be a top 5 pick. He may not have the size of Durant or the speed of Rose, but he has the basketball IQ from his dad and Coach K and the ability to lock down on D and step up on O to become a top 5 pick. I wish him all the best if he is a top 20 pick to some team that uses him 5-10 minutes a game.

All i'm saying is he would be better off playing one more year at duke (probably a very memorable season).

If he stays for that one more season he could be a top 5 pick and have a full duke career to go with it...perhaps a retired jersey and a legacy that could never be achieved by leaving early?

think about it G.

STAY.

[geraldsneighbor]

I dont care...i've been a duke fan since i've been alive and after seeing G from a 10th row seat at TD Banknorth Gardena against an agressive Villanova team shoot terribly I believe he needs another year. Honestly if he came back and he had the same season combined with people around him stepping up and the new guys stepping in he would be a top 5 pick. He may not have the size of Durant or the speed of Rose, but he has the basketball IQ from his dad and Coach K and the ability to lock down on D and step up on O to become a top 5 pick. I wish him all the best if he is a top 20 pick to some team that uses him 5-10 minutes a game.

All i'm saying is he would be better off playing one more year at duke (probably a very memorable season).

If he stays for that one more season he could be a top 5 pick and have a full duke career to go with it...perhaps a retired jersey and a legacy that could never be achieved by leaving early?

think about it G.

STAY.


Look, I agree that another year might help him in the long run but next year's draft is going to be much deeper. He would have to average probably 23 ppg to go in the top 5 and lead Duke to at least a FF. I hope he comes back like everyone, but let's be real. I just don't see it happening...and it sucks.

[Edouble]

Except Melo won the title and was the 3rd pick in 2003. And Rose was title runner-up in 2008 and the #1 pick. Gerald made the Sweet 16 and is likely 10-20 in the draft.

Let's compare apples to apples, and make sure its on the same continent here.

Dude, read what he wrote again. He was comparing John Wall, not G, to 'Melo and Rose.

[MADevil30]

POST HAS BEEN DELETED

As a Duke fan, I want nothing more than to watch G play another year in Cameron, to be an all american and to get his number retired. But from a more logical perspective, I totally understand why he might feel some urgency to go now. As others have pointed out, the NBA does not draft based on a past body of work, it drafts on potential. Staying another year will not help G's potential. Also, In the last two years (really the only relevant ones because trends in the NBA draft are streaky) only 3 seniors have been drafted in the top 15. John Hollinger, ESPN's basketball complicated-stat guy, has a very reliable prospect prediction formula in which being a senior is one of the red flags that detracts from a the player's prediction rating. Point is, in 2009 (or 2010) it is a disadvantage to be a senior in the draft.

[geraldsneighbor]

As a Duke fan, I want nothing more than to watch G play another year in Cameron, to be an all american and to get his number retired. But from a more logical perspective, I totally understand why he might feel some urgency to go now. As others have pointed out, the NBA does not draft based on a past body of work, it drafts on potential. Staying another year will not help G's potential. Also, In the last two years (really the only relevant ones because trends in the NBA draft are streaky) only 3 seniors have been drafted in the top 15. John Hollinger, ESPN's basketball complicated-stat guy, has a very reliable prospect prediction formula in which being a senior is one of the red flags that detracts from a the player's prediction rating. Point is, in 2009 (or 2010) it is a disadvantage to be a senior in the draft.

While there may be truth to that, Brandon Roy played 4 years at UW. He upgraded his status greatly doing so.

[1999ballboy]

I'm sure he's gone. If he were going to stay, it seems that the banquet would have been the ideal venue to announce that. He didn't, and he's ready to announce his decision, so one has to conclude that he's leaving.

[stickdog]

I wish G the very best no matter what he chooses. He has all the potential in the world.

However, it infuriates me that it no longer seems even possible to suggest that additional preparation might enhance a rising senior's NBA career. It's as if players such as Hill, Duncan, Battier, Brad Miller, Prince, Salmons, Josh Howard, Andre Miller, West, Lee, Terry, Jameer Nelson and Roy are walking dinosaurs -- the very last of a dying breed.

[feldspar]

However, it infuriates me that it no longer seems even possible to suggest that additional preparation might enhance a rising senior's NBA career. It's as if players such as Hill, Duncan, Battier, Brad Miller, Prince, Salmons, Josh Howard, Andre Miller, West, Lee, Terry, Jameer Nelson and Roy are walking dinosaurs -- the very last of a dying breed.

First of all, infuriates? Come on, let's settle down a little bit here.

Second of all, if G decides to leave, he's making the best possible choice he can, based on the circumstances. Another year in college would probably enhance his skills, but probably not his draft outcome. It's well established that this year's draft class is relatively weak, therefore it is to G's advantage to come out.

Why would that infuriate you? The kid is taking advantage of the most opportune time to make a career out of playing basketball. I say good luck, we'll miss you and most of all, have some fun out there.

[moonpie23]

Another year in college would probably enhance his skills, but probably not his draft outcome.

i dunno about that.....if he had the kind of year of domination and skill improvement that , say, ty lawson had, i'd think his draft number would be higher....much higher...

not that it raised lawsons number that much, but he did kick it up ...