Some positive news may be on the horizon for Miami basketball. The Hurricanes are emerging as a top contender to land five-star small forward, who has requested a release from his national letter of intent with Duke. Head coach Jai Lucas, who played a key role in recruiting Henderson while serving as an assistant at Duke, now has the chance to bring the highly rated prospect to Coral Gables.
According to the 2025 247Sports composite rankings, he is the No. 21 overall recruit, the fourth-ranked small forward, and the second-best player in Texas. He originally signed with Duke in November and attends Bellaire High School in Houston—Lucas’s alma mater.
Colby Giacubeno of Inside Maryland Sports quickly placed a crystal ball prediction for Henderson to choose Miami on Friday morning. Lucas has been actively building a strong late 2025 class, securing commitments this week from four-star combo guard Dante Allen and Slovakian wing Timotej Malovec.
Henderson posted impressive numbers this past season, averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 54.7% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc, and 61.0% from the free-throw line.
Miami is considered the early favorite to sign 5-star Duke decommit Shelton Henderson
Although Duke originally beat out Louisville and Texas for Henderson’s commitment, hometown Houston could also be a factor in his recruitment. However, Miami is currently seen as the frontrunner. With fellow five-star Nate Ament being the only other uncommitted top-tier player in the 2025 class, Henderson’s decision is highly anticipated.
Coach Lucas has made strong early moves to shape the 2025-26 roster, though more pieces are still needed. Miami has already added four transfers—point guard Tre Henderson (Auburn), shooting guard Tru Washington (New Mexico), power forward Malik Reneau (Indiana), and center Ernest Udeh Jr. (TCU via Kansas)—as well as high school recruits Allen and Malovec. Small forward remains a key need, and Henderson could have a clear path to immediate playing time if he joins the Hurricanes.