Monday, June 15, 1998
J.R. Henderson
Men’s Basketball
Henderson’s legendary contributions to the UCLA basketball team,
especially in times of crisis and conflict, are unmatched by
anything anyone could conceive. He was the starting power forward
whose versatility and strength left opponents wondering what hit
them. In fact, Henderson has played ever position on the court. In
his last season, due to the departure of Jelani McCoy, Henderson
quietly assumed the role of the team’s tallest player, which forced
him into battles against taller and larger players. As a senior
starter, Henderson achieved team and personal success, moving into
the UCLA l record books, not to mention leading the team past
higher-ranked Michigan and into the Sweet Sixteen at the NCAA
Tournament.
Career highlights: Henderson was selected twice for All-Pac-10
honors. He is No. 6 on UCLA all-time scoring list (1,801), No. 10
in career rebounding (818) and No. 3 all-time for UCLA in the
double-doubles (95). He played on the 1995 UCLA team which won the
schools record 11th NCAA national title. Games-games started:
127-103; Career ppg: 14.2; Career rpg: 6.4; Career fg%: .549;
Career minutes: 3726
Coach’s quote: "He has great versatility and intelligence as a
basketball player. He has a very high basketball IQ. J.R. played
all five positions in his four years at UCLA and because of his
defensive and offensive versatility, it gave us the flexibility to
use his strength against opponents."
-Head Coach Steve Lavin