Miami Basketball Adds Prefered Walk-On from Same HS as Jalen Brunson
Per the Chicago Tribune, Miami Basketball has added Willie Herenton as a preferred walk-on this fall. Herenton comes from Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL. That is the same high school that produced Villanova’s, Jalen Brunson.
Herenton’s brother Rodney is going into his Sophomore season at Stanford. He played in high school at Whitney Young before transferring to Stevenson for his Senior season. Willie will join Miami basketball as a prefered walk-on.
The Philadelphia 76ers and former Duke star Jahlil Okafor prepped at Young. Wille is a 6’1 190 point guard. He will get a chance to make the Miami Hurricanes this fall.
Herenton has an interesting background. He was home schooled by his mother Andrea for nearly seven years. He mother is deeply devout and has an extensive educational background according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.
Herenton comes from a high achieving family. His mother relayed she and her husband’s background to the Tribune.
"“Andrea Herenton said she was a GM Scholar in electrical engineering at Tennessee State and obtained a master’s degree in education from Harvard. Her husband also received his master’s from Harvard.”"
Herenton’s father Rodney Herenton Sr. is a successful financial planner. He is founding partner of Channing Capital Management.
Per the Tribune Herenton’s mother taught he and his brothers’ skills to make them successful academically, socially and athletically.
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Herenton made his decision in May to join the Miami Basketball team. He averaged almost 14 points per game last season for Stevenson. His season high was 34 points against Stevenson’s conference foe Zion-Benton.
Brunson led the Patriots to the Class 4A State Championship in 2015. He then helped lead Villanova to its first National Championship in 31 years in 2016.
Herenton talked about the importance of his mother home schooling he and his brothers.
"“My mom home-schooled us, and that’s kind of rare and helped me become the person I am and being able to manage my time,” Willie Herenton said. “My mom really shaped me into the person I am.”"
Per the Tribune Herenton participated in the United World Games in Austria in June. Herenton averaged 20 points per game against other teams from the United States, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Austria and other countries.
Herenton’s high school coach at Stevenson Pat Ambrose had high praise for the future Miami Basketball player.
"“Willie really fit in well at Stevenson…He worked really hard, in basketball and in the classroom. You could see his parents had a big influence on him, and he endured some ups and downs in basketball, but he thrived off the court.”"
Herenton discussed his reasons for choosing Miami.
"“I chose Miami because the balance between academics and athletics is highly respected…I did like the location and the weather. That was a huge part, too. I wanted to be happy outside basketball. Anything can happen. I wanted to go to a place where I would be happy for four years, not just for basketball but also for school.”"
Herenton’s mother discussed the journey to becoming young men that contribute to society that Willie and his brothers have become.
"“I believe that we have raised independent, responsible, happy, well-adjusted, smart, conscientious and humble young men who are on the road to greatness.”"
Rodney Jr’s success at Stanford contributed to Willie’s decision to attend Miami. He had received offers from smaller Division I, II and III schools but he preferred to play his basketball as a Miami Hurricane.
Herenton discussed his decision to play basketball at the U.
"“I could’ve gone to a smaller school just to play basketball, but for me, I wanted to go to a well-respected school…That was meaningful for me. My brother is having a blast at Stanford. He told me to just have a good attitude and compete.”"
Next: Miami Hurricanes Camp Day One Injury Updates
Herenton will be a good addition to the already strong and deep Miami basketball stable of guards. Without Lonnie Walker for the next couple of months at least, Herenton will be an important addition until the Hurricanes open practice in December.