New Leadership:: Eric Henderson, an Iowa native (Coggon) and graduate of Maquoketa Valley High School, is the 31st head coach in Drake basketball history.
Proven Success:: Henderson compiled an impressive 129-60 overall record (76-20 in Summit League play) during his six seasons at South Dakota State.
Consistent Performance:: Under Henderson, the Jackrabbits never finished worse than third in the Summit League, winning four regular-season titles (shared or outright) and two conference tournament championships.
NCAA Experience:: He led South Dakota State to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2022 and 2024).
Strong Coaching Roots:: Henderson played under current Creighton coach Greg McDermott at Wayne State (Neb.) and later served as a graduate manager under McDermott at Iowa State. He was also an assistant under current Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger at South Dakota State.
Why this matters:: Drake is securing a coach with a strong track record of winning at the mid-major level and deep ties to the region. This hire signals the university's commitment to maintaining the high standards set by previous coaches Darian DeVries and Ben McCollum, ensuring the program remains competitive in the Missouri Valley Conference and nationally.
Drake University moved quickly to name Eric Henderson as its new men's basketball coach, tapping into a leader with significant success just across the border. Henderson's hiring comes after Ben McCollum's brief but impactful one-year tenure, which included a Missouri Valley Conference double (regular season and tournament titles) and Drake's first NCAA tournament win since 1971, before McCollum accepted the head coaching job at Iowa.
Henderson brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree from South Dakota State. Taking over the Jackrabbits in 2019 after T.J. Otzelberger left for UNLV, Henderson established SDSU as the premier program in the Summit League. His teams were known for consistent performance, regularly competing for league titles and securing NCAA tournament berths.
An Iowa native, Henderson's roots run deep in the state's basketball scene. His connections to successful coaches like Greg McDermott and T.J. Otzelberger highlight his grounding in strong basketball programs. He takes over a Drake program that has enjoyed a resurgence, first under Darian DeVries (150-55 record, three NCAA appearances) and then McCollum (31-4 record). Henderson inherits a program with high expectations and a passionate fanbase, eager to see the Bulldogs continue their winning ways. In his statement, Henderson expressed alignment with the university's values and vision, looking forward to building relationships within Drake Nation.
** Who is Eric Henderson?
A:: Eric Henderson is the newly appointed head men's basketball coach at Drake University. He previously served as the head coach at South Dakota State University for six seasons and is an Iowa native with extensive coaching experience.
** What was Henderson's record at South Dakota State?
A:: He achieved a 129-60 overall record, won four Summit League regular-season titles, two conference tournament titles, and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.
** Who did Eric Henderson replace at Drake?
A:: He replaces Ben McCollum, who coached Drake for one season (2024-25) before taking the head coaching position at the University of Iowa.
Continuity Expected:: Drake fans can expect the program to maintain its competitive edge under a coach known for consistent success and program building.
Iowa Connections:: Henderson's deep Iowa ties and familiarity with the regional basketball landscape could be advantageous for recruiting and local engagement.
Building on Success:: The hire signals Drake's ambition to remain a top contender in the Missouri Valley Conference and a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament.
Drake basketball excitement is at an all-time high. Do you think Eric Henderson can continue the Bulldogs' recent run of success? Let us know!
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