Henry withdrawals from NBA Draft, returns to MSU for junior season

Aaron Henry (Photo: Ian Gilmour / WDBM)

Brian Goldsmith, General Assignment Reporter

Aaron Henry has pulled his name from the 2020 NBA Draft and will return to Michigan State for his junior season, he told ESPN Sunday. 

The 6-foot-6 forward from Indianapolis saw his role increase last season, becoming a full-time starter. He started all but one game in the 2019-20 season. During his sophomore campaign, Henry averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. 

Down the stretch, Henry averaged 12.6 points in the final five games of the season. Coach Tom Izzo relied on Henry more as his minutes increased, too. Henry finished the season third in team scoring behind only Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. 

Henry saw his best scoring performance come in the Maui Invitational, where he dropped 18 points in a loss to Virginia Tech. 

Henry’s dedicated summer work ethic paid off for him during his sophomore campaign as his jump in minutes led to an increase in points, assists and rebounds. Henry’s continued diligence to improve his ball-handling skills, shooting and defense led him to become a top player on the Spartans’ roster. His return for a junior season can only help Izzo’s squad.

Brian Goldsmith is a general assignment reporter for WDBM Sports. Follow him on Twitter at @briangoldsmitha.