In the basketball world, it’s easy to assume that players with the same last name might be related — especially when both are making waves. That’s what some people think about Shelton Henderson, a standout high school talent, and Scoot Henderson, the young NBA guard lighting it up for the Portland Trail Blazers.
But despite the shared last name and their rising profiles in the sport, the two aren’t actually related. Just a coincidence — no family ties here.
Distinct Journeys: Shelton and Scoot Henderson
Shelton Henderson, who hails from Bellaire High School in Texas, accomplished many things as a basketball player. He came in at 6’6″ and weighed 220 pounds. He was also heralded as an elite skill player and one of the elite defensive players at his position and class.
With all of his great performances, Shelton was selected to play on the USA Men’s U18 National Team, and the team won a gold medal at the FIBA AmeriCup in Argentina. Originally, Shelton was committed to Duke University with one of the top-tier classes in the class.
However, as of April 2025, Shelton has changed his mind and decommitted from Duke to go through the recruiting process again. This decision is a fresh start in his basketball journey.
If we look at Scoot Henderson, whose first name is actually Sterling and is originally from Marietta, Georgia. He has taken an uncommon path to the NBA. Rather than pursue college basketball, Scoot joined the NBA G League Ignite as a 17-year-old and was the youngest player in league history.
Scoot’s time with the Ignite displayed his elite talents, and he was later selected as the third overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft. Scoot’s entry-level experience has offered a roadmap for young players considering various pathways to the NBA.
Clarifying the Misconceptions
The shared surname and basketball success of Shelton and Scoot Henderson have led to misconceptions about a familial relationship. This confusion was further fueled by an earlier version of an article by The Duke Chronicle, which mistakenly stated that Shelton was related to Scoot.
However, this was later corrected, and it has been clarified that there is no familial connection between the two athletes.
Scoot Henderson is a member of a large family with strong ties to basketball. He is the second youngest of seven siblings, with the three sisters having played NCAA Division I basketball so far.
KEEP READING: Where Will Shelton Henderson Land? Top Programs to Watch After His Decommitment from Duke
His parents, Chris and Crystal Henderson, are the ones who manage the business, which is a sports facility named Next Play 360° in Marietta, Georgia and which has been creating new basketball skills for the children in a way that no other place has.
Shelton Henderson’s background differs because he has no known family connection to Scoot or his family. Shelton’s accomplishments and basketball background rely solely on his talent and commitment to the game.
While Scoot Henderson and Shelton Henderson have the same last name and love for basketball, they do not have the same path. The initial confusion of the two was addressed. Both will ultimately chart their way as individual athletes, and their success is theirs alone.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
