How Far Do The Kansas Jayhawks Go in C.J. Henry's Future?

This sweet-stroke, 6' 4" pure shooting guard is still working to find his niche on this Kansas squad, and I have no doubt that it will come soon enough.

He brings maturity and a little extra bulk to Kansas' backcourt, both of which will come in handy to Bill Self in coming seasons.

Without Sherron Collins, the Hawks will really need every ounce of toughness the elder Henry's 205 pound frame has to offer. If his younger brother Xavier decides to bolt for the NBA as well, C.J. will be sorely needed on the nationally-renowned squad from Lawrence, Kansas.

However, this brings about an interesting question.

If Kansas does well this season, perhaps making it to the Final Four, won't C.J. Henry have an interesting predicament?

I won't be surprised in the least bit, assuming that Xavier, Cole Aldrich, and the Jayhawks all finish the season respectably, should Aldrich and the younger Henry decide to try their hands professionally.

No one should be surprised.

But what, then, will keep the older Henry from moving to the professional ranks as well?

The baseball ranks.

I'm not trying to start any rumors, and I have no idea which sport C.J. enjoys more or if finishing school is the higher priority. However, from what I understand, he has at least an equal, if not greater, amount of potential to become an MLB shortstop than an NBA shooting guard. Also, if I understand correctly, he can opt back to the minor leagues at any point he wants and begin raking in real cash immediately.

Sure he'd be behind Derek Jeter in the Yankees organization, but Jeter is old, and there is always the prospect of being traded.

Don't forget that, should Aldrich and Xavier leave, Kansas will probably be a year or two away from being at the top again, and C.J. would have to compete with Brady Morningstar, Tyrel Reed, Tyshawn Taylor, Elijah Johnson, Mario Little, Travis Releford, and even (unless redshirted) incoming recruit Royce Woolridge.

That's a lot of youthful talent to be in the mix with for three more seasons. 

I think C.J. Henry could eventually find his niche as a very pivotal player in that group, but unless he really wants to graduate, be a team leader, and give the Jayhawks a shot for another National Championship down the road, why stick around?

I sincerely hope that C.J. does stick around, and I truly believe that he will become an integral part of some very good squads if he does.

However, consider this my warning, KU fans.

Without Aldrich, Collins, and the little brother whom he wanted to accompany to Lawrence in the first place, let it be no surprise when C.J. Henry makes his way out of Kansas and back to the big leagues where there will be an instant career waiting for him.

Damn you, New York, and damn you Yankees.

Unless C.J. Henry elects to stay at Kansas, in which case, thank you for so kindly funding his education.