Michigan State's Aaron Henry to declare for NBA draft, says he'll sign with agent

Aaron Henry is taking another shot at the NBA, and this time, it seems like the Michigan State guard has played his last game for the Spartans.

Henry announced his intention to declare for the draft on Monday, and said he will be retaining an agent. While that does not mean he can’t return to Michigan State for his final season, all signs have been pointing to Henry’s likely decision to become a professional.

“Being a professional basketball player has been my dream since I was a kid and after receiving guidance from my parents and my coaching staff, I will be declaring for the 2021 NBA Draft with plans to sign with an agent,” Henry said in a post on Instagram.

“My time at Michigan State has prepared me for anything and I will always be a Spartan for life.”

As a junior, Henry averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors while also being named to the conference’s all-defensive team. He is the first Michigan State player in school history to lead the team in points, rebounds and assists.

"Aaron Henry making the decision to put his name in for the NBA Draft this year is not surprising and is something I fully support," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. "He and his family went through the exploration process last year and came away with a much better understanding of what he’d need to do in order to make the next step for his basketball career.

"Like every college player, Aaron had to go through many adjustments in his workout and practice schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles he had to go through, Aaron led our team in virtually every statistical category and, in my mind, was one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference. I know Aaron is determined to make this next step in his career and I’m going to give him all the help that I can so that he can achieve his dreams."

Henry entered his name in last summer's draft before deciding to return to Michigan State for his junior season. That season, as it turns out, will likely be the last of a solid three-year career.

As a freshman in 2018-19, Henry started 22 of 39 games and was critical in Michigan State's run to the Final Four, scoring 20 points in a Sweet 16 victory over LSU. In 2019-20, Henry started 29 of 30 games and came up big late in the regular season as Michigan State won its final five games to grab a share of the Big Ten championship. Henry scored in double figures in four of those five games, including 17 against Iowa while scoring 12, handing out three assists, grabbing two steals and blocking a pair of shots in the regular season-finale against Ohio State.

"Aaron made great contributions to our team over the last three years, from a tremendous run in the NCAA Tournament on the way to the Final Four in 2019 to doing just about everything for us this year as we won some big games down the stretch and reached the postseason for the 23rd straight year," Izzo said. "We will miss him, but can’t wait to see his future."

Henry is the third Michigan State player with eligibility remaining to leave the team. Sophomore guard Rocket Watts and junior guard Jack Hoiberg have each entered the NCAA transfer portal.

mcharboneau@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @mattcharboneau