Gophers add G/F Jaden Henley to 2022 recruiting class

By: Tony Liebert |

Dec. 10, 2021: 102 days since their last commitment, the Gophers have added G/F Jaden Henley to Ben Johnson’s first full recruiting class as head coach.

–> Follow @Tony Liebert on Twitter

Gophers head coach Ben Johnson’s first recruiting class started out with some serious momentum. After signing Braden Carrington, Pharrel Payne and Joshua Ola-Joseph over the summer, I think most fans of Minnesota basketball would call that a successful first recruiting period in its own right. Johnson and the Gophers wanted more, going out and signing 6-foot-7 guard/forward Jaden Henley of Ontario, California (not Canada). Henley only publicized one other offer, from San Diego State, and his commitment now ranks Minnesota’s recruiting class at No. 44  in the country and No. 9 in the Big Ten according to 247sports.com.

Who is Jaden Henley

Listed at 6-foot-7, Henley played plays his high school ball for Colony High School in Ontario, California. The Titans are one of the best programs in the state of California, starting this season 7-0, rankings as a top 40 team in the entire state. Listed at 6-foot-5 as recently as this year, Henley continues to grow into his body, more reason for his quick rise up the recruiting ranks.
  • Scouting Report:

In Johnson’s short time as head coach, he has already found a type of player that he likes to go after, versatile wings that can guard 1 through 4. Henley fits that bill his length continuously shows up on film, proving his high ceiling as a versatile defender. He is a bit raw on the offensive side at times, but he flashes that high-level ceiling, proving that as he grows he will continue to improve on all assets of the game. With how quickly he continues to develop there is no way to know what his timeline will be, but he will likely be a player that Johnson and the Gophers continue to develop before he sees serious time on the floor.

**High School Basketball Hudl Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15874822/jaden-henley/highlights
Instant Reaction:
I would be lying if I said that this commitment didn’t come at least as a little surprise. Henley was reportedly in attendance for the Gophers’ recent home game against Michigan State, and he obviously enjoyed his time. I could tell you that Jaden Henley is going to be a diamond-in-the-rough type of prospect, but I have no merit to tell you that. What I am impressed with most, is that Ben Johnson and the Gophers have a player that they like to recruit. The Pitino years were kinda a hodge-podge of talent at times, but I think Johnson has already proven that will not be the case under this regime. Versatile players that can guard 1-4 is the way basketball is going, and I think Henley has the potential to fit perfectly into Johnson’s mold. He had spoken that this will be a developmental program, and Jaden Henley will a great opportunity for him to prove that.

What is Next:

According to 247sports, the Gophers have the No. 44 ranked class in the country and No. 9 in the Big Ten. For how impressive Johnson has looked in his first season as head coach with the program, it gets me even more excited for the present and future of this program. With Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen set to return from injury next season, alongside a serious No. 1 option in Jamison Battle, I believe this team will have serious potential to make a deep postseason run with that core. Bringing in a top 50 recruiting class is a cherry on top, proving that the future is very bright in Dinkytown.

PG: Braeden Carrington

SG: Abdoulaye Thiam/Jaden Henley

SF: Jamison Battle/Joshua Ola-Joseph

PF: Parker Fox/Treyton Thompson

C: Isaiah Ihnen/Pharrel Payne

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *