Taylor Hendricks

Hendricks is an American forward who reached the NBA through the 2023 draft after a decorated one-year career at UCF. Drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz, he became the highest draft pick in UCF history and brought a modern stretch-big profile before suffering a significant leg injury early in his second season.

Born Taylor Thomas Hendricks on November 22, 2003, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he initially attended NSU University School, where he played alongside Vernon Carey Jr., Scottie Barnes, and Jace and Jett Howard. The team won the FHSAA Class 5A state championship in 2018–19. He transferred to Calvary Christian Academy after his sophomore year.

As a junior at Calvary Christian, Hendricks averaged 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game and won the Florida 3A state championship. As a senior, he averaged 15.1 points and 8.2 rebounds and was named Broward County Player of the Year as Calvary Christian repeated as state champions. He committed to UCF over Florida, Florida State, Miami, LSU, Memphis, and Iowa State, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in UCF history.

At UCF, Hendricks was not initially seen as an NBA prospect. He started as the Knights' power forward and was named AAC Rookie of the Week for a conference-record four consecutive weeks. He won the award a total of nine times, breaking the conference single-season record. He scored a career-high 25 points against Tulsa on February 26, 2023, and was named to the All-AAC second team and All-Freshman team. He declared for the 2023 NBA draft and signed with an agent.

The Utah Jazz selected Hendricks ninth overall in the 2023 NBA draft. He scored a career-high 12 points against Sacramento on December 16, 2023, and made 40 appearances (23 starts) as a rookie, averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

On October 28, 2024, Hendricks suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle against Dallas, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024–25 season. In 2025–26, he averaged 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 33 appearances.

Hendricks functions as a modern stretch forward with defensive versatility, shot-blocking timing, and the ability to space the floor. His UCF tenure, particularly his record-breaking freshman season, reflects a player who exceeded expectations rapidly. In the NBA, his development centers on recovering from his leg injury, refining his offensive skill set, and realizing his potential as a lottery pick.