Terry Henderson is one of three West Virginia basketball recruits who can’t be certain what league he’ll be playing in next season.
“He was more enticed by the West Virginia program as it were, and if they move to the Big 12 he’ll be fine,” Ken Adrian, Henderson’s coach at Raleigh (N.C.) Neuse Baptist Christian School, told SNY.tv. “I mean he’ll be playing high level whatever league they’re in.”
West Virginia is suing the Big East so it can leave immediately and join the Big 12 in 2012, but Big East Commissioner John Marinatto says the suit is “wholly without merit” and he intends to hold West Virginia — along with Syracuse and Pittsburgh (ACC)– in the Big East until June 30, 2014.
Two independent attorneys told SNY.tv they believe the Big East has the upper hand in the lawsuit, but the situation leaves head coach Bob Huggins, his staff, players and recruits in an awkward position.
For at least the upcoming season, their university will be engaged in a contentious legal dispute with their own conference.
“The coaching staff just wants it settled,” Adrian said. “They’d be fine in either conference; either confernce will get them where they want to go.”
Henderson is one of three recruits for 2012, along with Eron Harris, a 6-3 shooting guard from Lawrence (Ind.) North, and Elijah Macon, a 6-9 power forward from Huntington (West Va.) Prep.
When Kevin Jones and Darryl “Truck” Bryant graduate after this season, those recruits will join the current freshmen class, which includes Mount Vernon point guard Jabarie Hinds, as the future of the Mountaineers team.
“Next year’s going to be a transition year for them but they’re really looking to load up Terry’s sophomore year and be a contender,” Adrian said.
“So it really is going to come down to a legal issue or possibly a buyout with the Big East.”
Whether Henderson winds up playing in the Big East, the Big 12 or both during his career, Adrian says he can make an impact.
“He’s got the potential and the frame to be a top, top level [player],” he said.
“Coach Huggins is very, very high on him and he’s going to play a lot as a freshman so I look for huge things for him.”
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