Scoot Henderson

Scoot Henderson's Biography

Sterling “Scoot” Henderson, a native of Marietta, Georgia, is known for his immaculate skills in professional basketball, making it as a player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born to Chris and Crystal Henderson on February 3, 2004, Sterling’s connection to basketball was deeply rooted in his family’s love for the sport. His parents, who managed a training facility known as Next Play 360° in Marietta were his initial motivators, with his father being a coach and his mother a healthcare administrator. Henderson was the second youngest of seven siblings, including three sisters who played NCAA Division I basketball. His childhood nickname, “Scoot” or “Scoota” was coined due to his scooting movement across the floor as a baby.

Sterling’s parents’ dedication to bettering Sterling’s game was recognizable as they successfully moved from Hempstead, New York, to Georgia shortly before Henderson’s birth. This move was strategic, for the purpose of giving their son adequate access to a conducive training environment.

Henderson’s journey to fame started in Carlton J. Kell High School, located in his birth town, Marietta. His freshman season saw a steady but impressive performance, playing alongside his brother C. J., who was a senior at the time.

The following year, Henderson scored a career-high 49 points during his sophomore season, resulting in a ground-breaking game-winning shot. This performance was instrumental in bringing his team a 92–91 overtime win over Miller Grove High School, which was just the opening round of the Class 5A state tournament.

This was just the beginning for Sterling, who led his school to the semifinals, recording an average of 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game during his sophomore season. This exemplary performance gifted him the title of Class 5A Player of the Year, solidifying his name in the 5A All-State team by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The 2020-2021 season was just another opportunity for Sterling to shine. As a junior, he scored a whopping 53 points in a 94–64 win over Osborne High School. This impressive game broke the program’s single-game and career scoring records. Despite his consistent provision of impressive performances, Henderson stoically bypassed his senior season to follow a professional career in basketball.

However, his dedication to his high school team did not go unnoticed. In 2023, both Henderson and his sister Crystal had their jerseys retired at Carlton J. Kell High School, as they were the highest scorers in their school’s history.

As a result of his astounding prowess on the court, Henderson was greatly sought after by numerous NCAA Division I programs, with scholarships from institutions such as Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State, and Georgia Tech. After much deliberation, he announced that he would join the NBA G League Ignite, declining offers from Auburn and Georgia.

Henderson’s career in professional basketball was officially launched on May 21, 2021, when he signed a contract with the NBA G League Ignite. At the tender age of 17, he became the youngest player in G League history, with his debut game seeing him make eight points and six rebounds resulting in a 115–103 win against the South Bay Lakers. While participating in the G League Showcase Cup during the 2021–22 season, he averaged a solid 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Henderson’s skills were bright enough to garner the attention of the big leagues. The Portland Trail Blazers were not oblivious to his skills and selected him as the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. His impact was quickly felt on his debut game against the Houston Rockets, where he made a significant contribution with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

However, his career has not been without hurdles. On November 1, 2023, Henderson suffered a sprained right ankle and a bone bruise against the Detroit Pistons, which kept him sidelined for a while. Despite this setback, he returned better and stronger, putting in a career-high 33 points and nine assists in a loss against the Phoenix Suns.

Throughout his journey, Sterling has amassed noteworthy partnerships, including a multi-year endorsement deal with Puma signed in 2022. Always looking to evolve, he has also applied for trademarks on his name as well as his motto, “Overly Determined to Dominate.” As part of his individual brand development, he launched boys’ and girls’ Amateur Athletic Union programs in 2022. His stardom has also crossed paths with Hollywood, with Sterling starring in “Shooting Stars” in 2023, where he portrayed the character Romeo Travis. Though young, Henderson has continually shown that his dedication, hard work, and natural talent can propel him to great heights, making him a representative of the next generation of NBA players.