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Shelton Henderson on UM's Caleb Gaskins: 'He Can Win ACC Freshman of the Year'
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- Shelton Henderson on UM's Caleb Gaskins: 'He Can Win ACC Freshman of the Year'
(Miami Hurricanes Athletics)
MIAMI, Fla. – In Monday's media availability, Miami Hurricanes ' Shelton Henderson has been impressed with freshman forward Caleb Gaskins and believes he can accomplish great things this upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season.
"I think he can win ACC Freshman of the Year," he said. "He showed me a lot that I didn't really know he can do. He's a really good player."
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No player in program history has won the award.
Gaskins is one of the most promising talents to soon suit up for the Hurricanes; the second-highest-ranked recruit since 2000, according to 247Sports . The Melbourne (Fla.) native had 15 Power Four scholarship offers coming from Christopher Columbus High School. As a senior, Gaskins averaged 22.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 31 games, according to MaxPreps .
When it came down to picking a college, "The U" won the five-star recruit over Florida and Texas A&M . Christopher Columbus High School is approximately 5.2 miles north of the Coral Gables campus.
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Gaskins was initially projected to be a starter, but with Malik Reneau officially returning for a fifth season, the 18-year-old could still play a significant role as a reserve. It will be a situation to monitor ahead of Nov. 2's season opener against the Gators. However, Gaskins surpassing Reneau on the depth chart shouldn't be ruled out. Towards the end of the regular season last year, head coach Jai Lucas started Dante Allen (freshman) over Tru Washington (junior).
However, the Hurricanes are just one of four teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference with at least one five-star freshman.
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- PF Cameron Williams (St. Mary's Catholic High School)
- PG Deron Rippey Jr. (Blair Academy)
- C Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (FC Barcelona Spain Basketball)
- C Sayon Keita (Spain)
Louisville:
- C Obinna Ekezie Jr. (Southeastern Preparatory Academy)
Gaskins will face each of them in the Hurricanes' ACC portion of the schedule on the road. The 6-8 and 219-pound power forward is athletic, can shoot the midrange, and backs down defenders in the post. Outside shooting was a notable struggle in high school, but it can show improvements as the season approaches.
Coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround, the Hurricanes will have more attention on them. They're scheduled to face at least seven presumed preseason-ranked opponents, both non-conference and ACC, including the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Watsco Center on Dec. 2. The game was recently scheduled for a 9:15 p.m. tip-off and televised on ESPN.
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Gaskins has an opportunity to contribute to a dark horse, not just in the ACC, but in National Championship contention. The Hurricanes can't sneak up on teams anymore; instead, opportunities to make a statement will present themselves.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
