WRAL Sports Fan

Duke

Henderson credits Krzyzewski, feels prepared for NBA

By Adam Harris

Nov 3, 2009

Four games into his NBA career, Gerald Henderson is on a team whose strength is not offense, but defense.  The Charlotte Bobcats average an NBA worst 79.75 points per game, but they're allowing only 87.5 ppg because of Larry Brown's focus on defense. 

Henderson believes Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's defensive influence has been a great help at the professional level.

"It was the best thing for me,"  Henderson told 99.9 FM The Fan on Tuesday.  "Just having to learn different things on defense.  You know, jumping right into it with Coach Brown, and having that mindset has really benefited me."

The former All-ACC Blue Devils star says he's also learning a few things from the Bobcats' VP of Player Personnel.  Most NBA players would love to pick the brain of Michael Jordan.

"Mike's really good to have around. He's the best player of all-time, and he has a lot of knowledge that he can give to us,"  Henderson tells The Insiders.  "Just even watching the games and being near the bench, you can tell how he's just really competitive, and it's just really good to have him around."

Henderson feels he's making the necessary adjustments as a first-year pro.  While averaging 13.3 minutes per contest, Henderson is learning on the fly.

"It's still basketball,"  says Henderson.  "The biggest thing is just playing for a different coach, a different system.  Now, my role being a little different than it was at Duke.  That's the biggest difference."

Before The Insiders wrapped up their conversation with the former Duke star, they asked for a prediction for this Saturday's football game against the Tar Heels.

"I'll say Duke wins 21-6,"  Henderson guessed.  "Yeah, two field goals.  Two field goals is all Carolina gets."