Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson added to his 2022 recruiting class on Friday with a commitment from guard Jaden Henley, who announced his decision on Twitter.
Henley, a senior at Colony High School in Ontario, Calif., made his decision after an official visit to Minnesota. He attended the Gophers' Big Ten opener Wednesday against Michigan State at Williams Arena.
"It felt like home, really," Henley told the Star Tribune on Friday. "I liked the atmosphere and the coaching staff. I think I really fit in with the program. I think it was the perfect move for me."
The 6-7, 185-pound Henley, who also had a scholarship offer from San Diego State, was an under-the-radar talent followed closely by Gophers assistant Marcus Jenkins.
Jenkins, who recruited the West Coast on staffs at Princeton and Richmond, is from Lompoc, Calif., a few hours away from Ontario.
"He's a heck of a steal," Colony coach Jerry De Fabiis said. "He grew into his body kind of late. He's 6-7 and can shoot it and drive it. He's a throwback kid because he's coachable."
Henley played on the Colony varsity for the first time last year during a COVID-stricken season. He played summer AAU basketball for Team Inland, a non-shoe sponsored program.
No star rating or big recruiting profile didn't bother Henley, who has the ability to play anywhere on the perimeter. He's a multi-level scorer, nifty ball handler and athletic finisher.
