Just as most Duke fans were winding down their day, news broke that sent ripples through the college basketball world. Five-star forward, one of the crown jewels of the Blue Devils’ 2025 recruiting class, is no longer headed to Durham. According to 247Sports, Duke and Henderson mutually agreed to part ways around 11:30 p.m.—a sudden and surprising shift that leaves a noticeable hole in Jon Scheyer’s future roster.
A 6-foot-6, 220-pound athletic powerhouse, committed to Duke in early November and was expected to be a key contributor in the program’s next chapter. Ranked No. 2 in Texas and the No. 4 shooting guard nationally, the Houston native sat at No. 21 overall in 247Sports’ national rankings. His commitment had brought early excitement and optimism, especially for a Blue Devils team aiming to maintain its elite status in the post-Coach K era.
But things quietly began to shift behind the scenes. Henderson’s primary recruiter, Jai Lucas, took the head coaching job at Miami—leaving a gap in Henderson’s connection to the program. And while Henderson reportedly embraced the Duke brand and started to build his fandom, it ultimately wasn’t enough to keep him locked in. Now, the talented swingman is back on the market, and college programs across the country are undoubtedly taking notice.
For Duke, the timing couldn’t be worse. With the basketball world awaiting Cooper Flagg’s looming NBA Draft decision—one that could further reshape Duke’s short-term outlook—the Henderson news adds another layer of uncertainty. If Flagg departs, losing Henderson too might feel like a one-two punch for Blue Devil fans. One thing’s clear: the buzz around Henderson’s next move is just beginning, and wherever he lands, you can bet Duke will be watching.