Drake’s Eric Henderson Loving What He Does

Bulldogs’ New Coach Enjoys Life

(St. Louis, MO) – Drake’s Eric Henderson has climbed the ranks of his profession, but climbing that ladder has never been his goal. He works hard at what he does, invests in the people he is with and loves what he is doing. After posting a .683 winning percentage in six seasons at South Dakota State, ‘Hendo’ is the new Bulldogs’ head coach.

He wasn’t looking for a change when he was a school teacher or an assistant coach, but when opportunities arose, he weighed the options. Often he stayed put. When Brian Hardin came calling about the Drake job, the Iowa native was willing to listen.

During our interview he repeatedly talks about other people. While he loves basketball it is his infectious desire to applaud and promote others that stands out.

So, why hasn’t he been constantly networking to climb the ladder of success? Henderson says plainly, that’s just who he is.

 

After playing for and working with Creighton’s Greg McDermott, Henderson took a circuitous route back into college coaching working for T.J. Otzelberger at South Dakota State. He became the Associate Head Coach and when Otzelberger left for UNLV, ‘Hendo’ became the the Jackrabbits’ head coach.

Henderson insists that ‘teaching’ and mentoring are his highest priorities and he is privileged to pursue those things while coaching the great game of basketball.

 

Southern Illinois head coach Scott Nagy was at South Dakota State prior to Otzelberger and then had great success at Wright State. Now both former Jackrabbit leaders are in the Valley. Drake’s Eric Henderson says the MVC is a bigger, more physical league but plays at a little slower pace than the Summit League.

 

Drake’s Eric Henderson’s New Roster

While assembling an 87% new roster, Henderson knew the types of players he wanted to recruit. He was looking for players with great character, a wealth of experience and players with versatile talents. Meshing those players together in a short period of time, is the challenge for Henderson and his staff.

 

A key piece to Henderson’s first Drake roster is one of his former Jackrabbit players. Guard Owen Larson put together an outstanding freshman season at SDSU. The 6’1 guard is coming ‘home’ to Iowa after demonstrating a well-rounded game and starting 29 games. He is consistent from deep, a willing defender and rebounder and averaged over nine-points-per game.

Larson has been nursing an injury, but should be ready for late summer work outs.

Another Summit League player is Denver transfer Isaiah Carr. He has missed time during two of the last three seasons, but two-years-ago, the 7′ Carr led the Summit with 60 blocked shots. He started his career at Grand Canyon. Jaehshon Thomas (Charlotte) and Jalen Quinn (Loyola Chicago) have great experience in higher ranked leagues.

Thomas averaged nearly ten points per game last season and Quinn has already participated in 99 Rambler contests. Other players with D1 experience are Braden Appelhans (New Mexico), Wilguens Exacte (Bowling Green) and Okku Federiko red-shirted at South Carolina.

Henderson says offering more playing time and ‘fresh starts’ were some of his selling points to the new Bulldogs.

 

Henderson also landed the top high school players from Nebraska (Bryson Bahl) and South Dakota (Griffen Goodbary) and several international players.

Drake’s Eric Henderson is attempting to build a NCAA Tournament worthy schedule. Some early notes in that process include games at the Emerald Classic and a home game with UAB.

Head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts to listen to our full interview.

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