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Former UNC Basketball Star Confirms End of Playing Career

UNC basketball treasure John Henson is now focusing on other opportunities.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball forward John Henson
UNC basketball forward John Henson / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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John Henson appeared in 445 NBA regular season games, including 405 over seven years as a piece to the Milwaukee Bucks' rotation. The former three-year UNC basketball big man averaged 7.6 points and 5.3 rebounds for his career in the league.

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But he hasn't been active in the NBA since 2019-20, although the 6-foot-9, 220-pounder signed a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks late in their 2020-21 campaign.

And this week, the 33-year-old Henson, now in the early stages of a broadcasting career that includes an analyst role with the ACC Network, confirmed that he has decided to retire as a player.

"I'm done bro lol," Henson confirmed in a text to RG.org. "I was so blessed to play this long. 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...I'm thankful."

Playing for now-retired Tar Heel legend Roy Williams in Chapel Hill, John Henson became a two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He earned All-ACC First Team honors as a UNC basketball junior before hearing his name No. 14 overall at the 2012 NBA Draft.

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Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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