Get to Know You: Michael Henn
Incoming transfer forward Michael Henn is joining the Denver men's basketball team in 2021-22 following his time at Portland last season. Henn brings the ability to stretch the floor from the post with shooting and size to battle down on the low block. 
 
Q&A with Henn

Why DU?
I chose the University of Denver for a variety of reasons. First and foremost Coach Wulbrun and his staff had the utmost respect and belief in me as a player and as a person. To be welcomed into an environment that was conducive of a family feel was what I desired. The best teams I've been on have been the ones that love being around each other everyday. I sensed this right away with Coach. I could not be more excited to put my stamp on this program and assist in making an NCAA tournament run.

What made you fall in love with the game of basketball?
My parents and uncle helped me fall in love with the game. Ever since I was out of the crib, they had a ball in my hands. Grew up always watching the game, and they had me playing organized ball as early as 5 years old.

When did you know you could play at the Division I level?
I would say my 8th grade summer was when I first came to the realization that I could play Division I ball. My AAU team cut me my 7th grade year because I was not where I needed to be with my game and fitness. I took that to heart. By the next summer I was back on the top team, competing in some of the best tournaments in the country. I was also set to make my high school's varsity team as a freshman, which I did.
 
What is your favorite basketball moment?
My favorite basketball moments growing up we're always the AAU tournaments. They were some of the best moments of my life. But, what takes the cake, is making the NCAA tournament my freshman year of college.
 
Have any of your family members played collegiate or professional sports and what team/position did they play?
My family actually has quite a bit of basketball lineage. My grandfather on my dad's side, Jim Henn, played forward for the St. Louis Billikens and Iowa State Cyclones. On my moms side, my Great Uncle Greg Vermillion played for the Seattle University RedHawks. His brother, Jerry Vermillion, is still the all-time leading rebounder at Gonzaga. On from that my cousin Ryan McDade played forward for Northern Arizona University under Ben Howland. He went on to have a successful pro career of 10+ years. The last one before myself is my cousin Zach Gordon. He played forward/center for Cal Poly SLO, before playing a couple seasons professionally.
 
Growing up playing basketball, who had the most influence on the development of your game?
My biggest influences in terms of development of my game growing up we're my dad, Dave Henn, and his brother (my uncle), Matt Henn. They were some of my first coaches growing up and got me into AAU basketball as early as second grade. The two of them did not play college basketball, but we're phenomenal players themselves. For years, they ran the semi-pro leagues in the Seattle Area. Growing up watching them and having there guidance blossomed me into who I've became. They were hard on me, but I will always be appreciative of it. It pushed me to not only be successful on the court but in life as well. I'm forever grateful for them

Who was your favorite basketball player and team growing up and why?
My favorite basketball player growing up ( and still is ) is LeBron James. Since he entered the league, his dominance has been unmatched. He's so fun to watch play with his highlight reel efforts, but the best part of his game, in my eyes, is his unselfishness and understanding of playing the right way. My favorite team growing up was my hometown squad, the Seattle SuperSonics. But unfortunately they are no longer a team. I'm hoping we get a new franchise soon.

Describe your style of play and how it affects the game?
My style of play is very high IQ. I utilize my court vision and savvy on both ends of the floor. Whether that be moving without the ball to get a shot, finding my teammates for open looks after drawing the defense, or being in position defensively to take a charge.

Favorite moment of getting to know your knew teammates at the University of Denver?
My favorite moment was really just meeting these guys for the first time. We had all talked on the phone here or there, but the first time we met in person everybody welcomed everybody with open arms. You could just sense the excitement for the upcoming year, not only on the court but off it as well.

What does the a basketball family look like to you?
Basketball family to me looks like a group of individuals that come together and enjoy each other everyday. When you put a bunch of good people together, you can get a lot done. With this group, no matter how hard or daunting the task, I believe we will be able to band together. Enjoy each other everyday and make something very special happen.

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