Jaylin Henderson, the senior guard who helped Portland State capture its first Big Sky regular‑season championship in nearly two decades, has taken the next step in his basketball journey. His final college season was marked by elite scoring and playmaking, as he averaged 18.2 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
A Season of Standout Numbers
Henderson ranked fourth in scoring and second in assists across the Big Sky Conference, and he posted double‑digit points in 28 of 31 games, including two 30‑point outings. One of those games featured a career‑high 34 points, with 10 of those coming in overtime against Weber State, underscoring his clutch performance.
The buzz surrounding his statistics attracted interest from NBA franchises, leading to pre‑draft workouts with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. Despite the NBA allure, Henderson decided to begin his professional career overseas, signing with the Köping Stars of the Swedish Basketball League.
A Strategic Move to Sweden
Henderson’s decision reflects a calculated step toward a global career, prioritizing immediate playing time and development over the uncertain path of an NBA roster spot. He will reunite with former Louisiana Tech teammate Tahlik Chavez, a familiar on‑court partner who also made the move to Köping Stars.
The team’s inaugural game is scheduled for September 24 against BC Luleå, marking the start of a new chapter for both players. Fans can expect Henderson’s trademark highlight‑reel dunks and relentless defensive pressure to make an early impact in the Swedish league.