In a stunning turn of events, former University of North Carolina basketball standout John Henson has officially hung up his sneakers after an illustrious eight-year NBA career. The news was shared exclusively with RG.com’s Spencer Davies in a riveting interview that delved into the reasons behind Henson’s decision to retire at the age of 33.
It was back in March 2020 that basketball fans last saw Henson grace an NBA court, but little did they know that he had already made up his mind to retire after a stint with Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional. In a candid interview, Henson opened up about his experience and the realization that led him to step away from the game he loves.
“I knew a couple of guys that went over there,” Henson shared. “Brandon Knight, my guy Ed Davis. I saw DeMarcus Cousins go over there. I said, ‘I commend you guys for making it ’cause I couldn’t do it.’”
For many players, the idea of playing overseas might have sparked a fire to fight their way back into the NBA. But for Henson, basketball was never a matter of life or death. Instead, he saw an opportunity to further his education by completing his college degree. When asked about a potential return to the hardwood, Henson was unequivocal in his response.
“I’m done bro…” he declared, leaving no room for doubt about his retirement.
Reflecting on his career, Henson expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had been blessed with. “It’s a lot of opportunities, man. It’s just a matter of one step at a time. I’m only 33, so I have time to explore and figure out what I want to do next. This is just the next phase, and we’ll see where it takes me. But so far, so good.”
Despite being plagued by injuries throughout his career, Henson remains optimistic as he transitions into the world of sports media. While the ‘what-if’ scenarios may linger for some, Henson is focused on the future and what it holds for him beyond the game of basketball.
