Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson is never short of confidence. In a [recently released interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype](https://hoopshype.com/lists/scoot-henderson-i-think-well-pan-out-to-be-one-of-the-top-teams-in-the-league-pretty-soon/), the 2023 No. 3 overall pick displayed that confidence while discussing a variety of topics, including the outlook of the Blazers.
> I think we’ll pan out to be one of the top teams in the league pretty soon with the young core that we have and the dogs on our team. You’ve got Donovan Clingan, who’s shown little glimpses of what he can do, and Shaedon (Sharpe). I try to get those guys the ball, and I try to do my thing. My main thing is getting guys the ball, letting them rock out, and letting the world see their talent. I’m trying to be a leader on and off the floor and get to know the guys a little bit more. I think we’re a core that plays hard and is going to shock a lot of teams throughout the season.
In his second season, Henderson, 20, is averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 turnovers per game through 17 appearances. including three starts. The young guard told Scotto getting better at controlling pace is the next developmental step he needs to take with his game.
> I think my next steps are controlling the pace of the game and locking in when it’s time for us to slow down and run our plays fully through to get time off the clock or getting stops on the defensive end and knowing when it’s time to get a bucket and play fast.
Henderson also discussed what it’s been like to follow Blazers legend Damian Lillard’s tenure in Portland. He showed respect for the NBA All-Star’s place with the Blazers, but still stayed true to that classic confidence.
> I think it’s been really good for me to grow. I’m not trying to take over what Dame had. I want to do me, Scoot Henderson. I want to win some games and give the city a reason to come to the games. With the young core we have, I want to make it exciting for fans around the world to see that the Trail Blazers are on the come up, especially with our young core and the veterans on our team who are buckets. I think it’s been a good learning experience these two years being here. I think I can go nowhere but up. I’m ready.
Other interview topics included the tutelage of Portland head coach Chauncey Billups, if Henderson keeps up with 2023 Draft classmates Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, and his Puma signature sneakers.