Rookie sensation Sterling “Scoot” Henderson is poised to be one of the most exciting players during the 2023-24 season. The 6 '2 swingman with a 6' 9 wingspan has a deadly combination of exceptional speed and elite explosiveness and at just 19 years old, he’s already an incredible playmaker with the ball in his hands.

As a five-star recruit for Carlton J. Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., Henderson was named Class 6A Player of the Year and received first-team 6A All-State as a junior averaging 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Forgoing his senior year, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to sign with the NBA G League Ignite. In his second season in the G League, he averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds.

Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the third pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Henderson made his debut at the 2022 Summer League in July where in his first game he put up 15 points, 6 assists, and five rebounds showing the world why he is one of the top prospects in his class.

BET.com spoke with Henderson about what he learned from the Rookie Transition Program, how he’s recovering from a shoulder injury, and his goal to win the Rookie of the Year Award.

BET.com: After all of your hard work and dedication, what was the feeling like when you heard your name called at the NBA Draft?

Henderson: Honestly, it was breathtaking. I stood there for a minute just smiling and I was so happy that all my hard work paid off. But in the back of my mind, I knew that I was ready. I’m ready to get into my bag and get into that feeling of being in the NBA. I’m ready to learn for the next year so I can be able to dominate. That was in the back of my head the whole time.

BET.com: In your first summer league game, you suffered a shoulder injury.  What is the status of your injury and how is the recovery?

Henderson: I'm doing good now. I’m getting treatment on it and taking it day to day. Thank God it was nothing serious that happened. I’m making it day-to-day. I’ll be fine before the start of the season

BET.com: Outside of the injury, how would you describe your summer league experience in Las Vegas?

Henderson: It’s a super dope experience. It's my first time playing in front of a huge, packed-out arena. Playing at Ignite sometimes the stands would be half-full but at UNLV, the whole crowd was there to watch my debut against Amen Thompson and the Houston Rockets. All the support I received from Vegas, has been super dope. I wouldn't be surprised if a new NBA franchise team would come there in the future.

BET.com: Also at Summer League, you were a participant in the Rookie Transition Program. What were some of your big takeaways from the sessions?

Henderson: It was a great success. To have Ray Allen, Jabari Smith, and Bobby Portis drop some jewels on us was incredible.  It was great to hear about the experience from a player that was also picked number three like Jabari Smith. I got to ask him how it feels to be picked so high in the draft to a team that struggled when you’re not used to losing.

They put a huge emphasis on relationships and making sure you're respectful to whoever you meet. Also, they told us to be committed to improving every day. It was a great introduction to the NBA life. I learned so much and I just tried to be a sponge. I know it's a lot of information but I've never been afraid of learning because knowledge is power.

BET.com: If there’s anyone to listen to about having a long, successful career it would be Ray Allen. How was it to interact with the Hall of Famer?

Henderson: He was dropping jewels. He told us that we always have to show up on time and on time is an hour early [Laughs]. He told us to focus on our nutrition and to get enough sleep so we can wake up and get to the gym. He preached to us to take care of our bodies before we get injured to prolong our careers.

BET:com: The Trail Blazers have a good group of young players with enormous potential but I have to ask this:  Who would win a dunk contest between you and Shaedon Sharpe?

Henderson: Wow [Laughs]. That’s a tough one. That would be crazy if both of us would get into the Dunk Contest next year. Of course, I’ll pick myself in a contest.

BET.com: Lastly, what is your team goal for Trail Blazers and what individual goals do you want to accomplish in your rookie season?

Henderson: For this year, I want us to win a lot of games and hopefully make the playoffs in my first season. That would be a dream come true if the team can perform on that level in my first year. Individually,  I want to be the best person I can be and continue to grow and learn from Chauncey Billups. And of course, I want to win the Rookie of the Year award.