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Shelton Henderson named to Julius Erving Award watch list as expectations rise for 2026

The award recognizes the top small forward in Division I.
ByPatrick Previty
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Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes Shelton Henderson (7) answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes Shelton Henderson (7) answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami sophomore Shelton Henderson has been named one of 20 candidates for the 2027 Julius Erving Award.

The award, now in its 13th year, recognizes the top small forward in NCAA Division I men's basketball. Henderson, a Houston native, enters his second season after starting all 35 games as a freshman and averaging 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field (third nationally among freshmen).

Fans can vote for Henderson beginning Friday, Oct. 30 and the 20-player list will be narrowed to 10 candidates in February, with five finalists selected in March.

Strong freshman season from Henderson

Henderson arrived in Coral Gables as a highly regarded prospect and immediately stepped into a starting role.

The Hurricanes return Henderson alongside sophomore guard Dante Allen as the primary holdovers from that group, with a revamped roster around them under second-year coach Jai Lucas.

Building on last season's progress

Shelton identified perimeter shooting as a clear offseason priority. Improving from beyond the arc (an area where he shot 25.5% as a freshman) is one of the key ways he can put himself into the ACC's top tier.

In the preseason exhibition against No. 24 Vanderbilt, Henderson put up 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Signature Games from Henderson in 2025-26

  • 2025 vs FIU (W 98-81): 30 points (10/12 FG, 10/11 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists
  • 2026 at Clemson (No. 22): 22 points (8/12 FG)
  • 2025 at Ole Miss (W 75-66): 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks
  • 2026 at Boston College (W 74-68): 19 points (8/11 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists
  • 2026 vs Purdue (NCAA Tournament, L 79-69): 18 points (9/11 FG), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
  • 2025 vs North Florida (W 105-67): 20 points, 5 rebounds
  • 2026 vs Georgia Tech (W 91-81): 17 points (7/9 FG), 5 rebounds
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