NBA ALL-STAR RISING STARS

February 17, 2023

Scoot Henderson

Team Jason

Press Conference

Q. How was that experience for you?

SCOOT HENDERSON: It was a great experience running with those guys and running with a few of my teammates and just to be out there in the atmosphere. You know, didn't turn out how I wanted it to, but it was just fun to be there.

Q. Seemed like you were pretty intense. You had a purpose.

SCOOT HENDERSON: Just tried to showcase our talents as a whole and showcase how I can pass and obviously get my shots when I wanted to.

Q. When you see that logo behind you and all of that, does it remind you how close you are to getting into the league for real?

SCOOT HENDERSON: Yeah, I'm just ready. I'm trying to prepare myself for the next level. I feel right there.

Q. What has this experience done as far as that process, continuing your preparation? We know you can play there. We know you can play there right now. But all these experiences, how does that --

SCOOT HENDERSON: Just getting in those runs. Our coach is always talking about how we can get in those runs upstairs. That's what he calls the league, upstairs.

So, you know, just chopping at it every day, playing against those guys in the league that have played about 50, 60 games already. It's just right there.

Q. Is there anything in particular about the NBA style game or physicality that you feel you'll have to adjust to once you get in?

SCOOT HENDERSON: I don't think it will be much more, just the length of everybody and how small or how spaced it looks, but it can also be small. I think I can adjust to that quick because I'm in the G League and there's longer guys there as well.

Q. When do you start planning for next year's Dunk Contest?

SCOOT HENDERSON: I might. I might.

Q. Who was your favorite player growing up that is maybe still playing or maybe not?

SCOOT HENDERSON: My favorite player growing up -- I had a couple of guys. I watched Kobe Bryant, obviously, a lot. Just based on my sisters loving him. Then I watched Allen Iverson, just his flair and his unique ability to score the ball and, even off the court, swag. Guys like Russell Westbrook, athletic, explosive guard.