“Shake-up at Drake Stadium: The Bulldogs are making headlines with a major coaching change. In a move that’s generating buzz in the college hoops community, Drake University has announced the hiring of Eric Henderson as its new head basketball coach. The former South Dakota State associate head coach takes the reins at a pivotal time for the program, as the Bulldogs look to revitalize their presence in the Missouri Valley Conference. With a proven track record of success on the prairies of Brookings, South Dakota, Henderson is poised to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to Des Moines. Will this bold move propel the Bulldogs back into the national spotlight?”
Drake Hires Eric Henderson as New Head Coach
Drake basketball has found its next head coach, and he’s only five hours away across the border in South Dakota. Eric Henderson – who spent the last six seasons as the head coach at South Dakota State – will take over the Bulldogs as Ben McCollum’s successor.
The Hire
Background Check
Eric Henderson brings a wealth of coaching experience to Drake, having compiled a 129-60 overall record in six seasons as head coach at South Dakota State. Under his leadership, the Jackrabbits made two NCAA Tournament appearances and consistently finished in the top three in the Summit League.
Henderson’s connection to the state of Iowa is strong, having grown up in Coggon, Iowa, and attended Maquoketa Valley High School. This native son is set to return to his home state, bringing his coaching expertise to the Bulldogs.
Henderson’s transition from South Dakota State to Drake marks an exciting new chapter for the program. With his proven track record of success in the Summit League, Henderson is poised to bring similar success to Drake.
Why Henderson
Success in Summit League
Henderson’s leadership in the Summit League has been nothing short of impressive. His teams have consistently finished in the top three, and he has won at least a share of the regular season title in four seasons. This level of success is a testament to Henderson’s coaching prowess and ability to build a winning program.
Henderson’s association with the Creighton coaching tree is a significant factor in his hire. Having played for and worked with Greg McDermott, Henderson brings a level of name recognition and potential to bring similar success to Drake. This connection could be a key factor in attracting top talent to the program.
Personality Fit
Eric Henderson’s expressed enthusiasm for the Drake program and his stated commitment to building relationships with the university and fan base are significant positives for the Bulldogs’ future. As he takes the reins, Henderson has emphasized his excitement to join the Drake Nation, highlighting the alignment of values and vision between himself and the university’s administration. His desire to build relationships with fans and the community is a testament to his understanding of the importance of connection and engagement in collegiate athletics.
Implications and Analysis
Henderson’s hiring as a replacement for Ben McCollum marks a significant shift in the program’s momentum and expectations. McCollum’s departure to Iowa, coupled with his impressive first-season record, has left a void that Henderson must fill. As the 31st head coach in program history, Henderson inherits a program with a rich history of success, including three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last four years. His task will be to maintain the high level of performance and build upon the foundation established by McCollum and DeVries.
Henderson’s connection to the Creighton coaching tree, particularly through his time as an assistant under Greg McDermott, is an important factor in his hiring. This link provides a sense of continuity and familiarity for the program, as well as potential opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other coaches in the McDermott coaching tree. The presence of Darian DeVries, another McDermott disciple, on the Indiana coaching staff will undoubtedly facilitate communication and resource-sharing between the two programs.
In his first season at Drake, fans can expect Henderson to focus on building relationships with his players, establishing a strong sense of team culture, and implementing his coaching philosophy. As he gets to know his roster, Henderson will likely identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them. With a strong foundation in place, the Bulldogs are poised for continued success under Henderson’s guidance.
Practical Aspects
The expected timeline for Henderson’s transition to the head coaching position at Drake is unclear, but immediate changes or hires are likely to occur in the coming weeks. As he settles into his new role, Henderson will need to assemble a coaching staff that complements his own strengths and weaknesses. He may draw from his experience working with McDermott and Otzelberger, as well as his own network of contacts in the coaching community.
Henderson’s approach to player development will be crucial in determining the team’s performance in the upcoming season. As a coach who emphasizes relationships and communication, he will likely prioritize building trust and rapport with his players. By doing so, he can create an environment conducive to growth, improvement, and team cohesion. With a focus on player development, Henderson can help his team adapt to new challenges and capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
Transition Timeline
- Immediate changes or hires are likely to occur in the coming weeks.
- Henderson will need to assemble a coaching staff that complements his own strengths and weaknesses.
Staffing Decisions
Henderson may draw from his experience working with McDermott and Otzelberger, as well as his own network of contacts in the coaching community.
Player Development
Henderson’s approach to player development will be crucial in determining the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
As a coach who emphasizes relationships and communication, he will likely prioritize building trust and rapport with his players.
By doing so, he can create an environment conducive to growth, improvement, and team cohesion.
Conclusion
The Des Moines Register’s recent announcement of Eric Henderson as the new head coach of the Drake basketball team marks a significant milestone for the program. According to the article, Henderson, a seasoned coach from South Dakota State, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent nearly two decades in the coaching ranks. This hire is seen as a strategic move by the university, aimed at revitalizing the team’s fortunes and propelling it back into contention in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The implications of this appointment are far-reaching, with many expecting Henderson to inject new energy and a renewed sense of purpose into the program. With his extensive background in coaching, he is well-equipped to address the team’s on-court performance and develop a winning culture. Furthermore, his experience in recruiting and talent development will be crucial in identifying and nurturing top talent, allowing the Bulldogs to compete at the highest level. As the team looks to the future, fans can expect a renewed sense of optimism and a renewed commitment to excellence.