Early Life and Education
Lou Henson was born on January 10, 1932, in Okay, Oklahoma. He grew up with a passion for basketball and played the sport throughout his youth. Henson attended Connors State College, where he played basketball before transferring to New Mexico State University to continue his education and basketball career.
Coaching Career Beginnings
After graduating from New Mexico State University, Lou Henson began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Las Cruces High School. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented coach and was eventually promoted to head coach of the school’s basketball team.
Rise to Prominence at New Mexico State University
In 1966, Lou Henson was hired as the head coach of the New Mexico State University Aggies men’s basketball team. Under his leadership, the Aggies experienced great success, winning multiple conference championships and making several NCAA Tournament appearances.
Legendary Tenure at Illinois
In 1975, Lou Henson was hired as the head coach of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team. During his tenure at Illinois, Henson became the winningest coach in school history, amassing over 400 wins in his 21 seasons as head coach.
1989 Final Four Appearance
One of Lou Henson’s most memorable accomplishments came in 1989 when he led the Fighting Illini to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. The team, led by All-American guard Kendall Gill, captivated fans with their fast-paced style of play and tenacious defense.
Retirement and Legacy
Lou Henson retired from coaching in 1996 but remained involved in the basketball community as a mentor and ambassador for the sport. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 in recognition of his contributions to the game.
Personal Life
Lou Henson was married to Mary Brantner and had one son, Lou Henson Jr. He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to his players both on and off the court. Henson’s impact on the lives of those he coached extended far beyond basketball.
Illness and Passing
In his later years, Lou Henson battled health issues related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He passed away on July 25, 2020, in Champaign, Illinois, surrounded by his family and loved ones. His death was mourned by the basketball community and fans across the country.
Tributes and Honors
Following his passing, tributes poured in from former players, colleagues, and fans who remembered Lou Henson for his kindness, generosity, and love for the game of basketball. The University of Illinois honored him with a memorial service attended by hundreds of people who came to pay their respects.
Impact on College Basketball
Lou Henson’s impact on college basketball cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer for coaches of all backgrounds and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in coaching. His legacy continues to live on through the players he mentored and the teams he led to victory.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Throughout his life, Lou Henson was dedicated to giving back to his community through various philanthropic efforts. He supported numerous charitable organizations and causes that were important to him, including cancer research and education initiatives.
Lessons Learned from Lou Henson
One of the most important lessons that can be learned from Lou Henson is the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. He overcame numerous obstacles throughout his career but never wavered in his commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
Legacy of Excellence
Lou Henson will always be remembered as a true legend in college basketball. His impact on the sport and the lives of those he touched will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches for years to come. His legacy of excellence will forever be enshrined in the annals of basketball history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lou Henson was more than just a basketball coach; he was a mentor, a leader, and a role model for all who knew him. His passion for the game and dedication to his players set him apart as one of the all-time greats in college basketball. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
