Winds light and variable. In his later years, as he dealt with his lymphoma, he golfed and swam regularly.Henson was proud of his players’ post-collegiate achievements. “If you don’t learn to live with it, you don’t coach.”Through all the late-hour demands, he found time for his growing daughters. He reached the N.C.A.A.’s Final Four with New Mexico State in 1970 and with Illinois in 1989.
He coached the Aggies in two separate stints (one in 1966–1975 and the other 1997–2005). My 10-year-old self was incredibly nervous as I mustered up the courage to call Lou's home. A son, Lou Jr., was the basketball coach at Parkland College, a community college in Champaign, when he was killed in an automobile accident in 1992.After his retirement, Henson split his time between Las Cruces and Champaign. Henson was inducted in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. A year later, he started his coaching career as the junior varsity coach at Las Cruces High School. for recruiting violations.Henson’s career coaching record was 779-413. At Illinois, Henson coached several future NBA players including Nick Anderson and Kendall Gill. I can expect no less of myself, so because I am physically unable to give my all, I am taking myself out of the game.”Henson coached four seasons (1962-66) at Hardin-Simmons University in Texas, nine (1966-75) at New Mexico State and 21 (1975-96) at Illinois, before returning to Las Cruces, N.M., to coach the Aggies for eight more seasons (1997-2005).He had retired from the Illinois job, in Champaign, when he returned to New Mexico State to help rescue the basketball program. We have lost a role model, a friend, and a leader. Henson died Saturday at his home in Champaign and he was buried in a private service Wednesday, the Illinois athletic department said. A genial “old school” leader, he took New Mexico State and then Illinois deep into the N.C.A.A. Julia Carmel contributed reporting.Lou Henson, Final Four Coach With Two Schools, Dies at 88Lou Henson acknowledged the Illinois crowd on Dec. 2, 2015, when the court at the State Farm Center in Champaign was dedicated in his name. One of eight children, he grew up in a house with no indoor plumbing.At New Mexico State, he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1955 and a master’s in educational administration in 1956. After his retirement, Henson … Henson was buried Wednesday in a private ceremony in Champaign, Illinois, the school said. It surrounds you.”Leigh Anne, the youngest daughter, said that as a child she would draw basketball plays and leave them on her father’s desk.“After the game,” she said, “he would say, ‘Did you see that play of yours we used?’ And I’d say yes. tournament and four to the National Invitation Tournament. On the court, he was all business, stressing defense, two-handed passes and conservative ball handling.“He’s an old-school guy, and he insisted on doing things soundly,” Derek Harper, an Illinois player who became an outstanding professional, told The Chicago Tribune in 1996. Subsequent Illini coaches have honored Henson by wearing the coat at various times.Henson ranks 24th on the NCAA career wins list with a record of 779-419. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Lou Henson, the plain-spoken coach who took New Mexico State and Illinois to the Final Four during a 21-year career that included nearly 800 victories and a feud with fellow Big Ten coach Bob Knight, has died. He’s one of just 14 coaches to lead two teams to the Final Four --New Mexico State in 1970 and Illinois in 1989. "My thoughts are with (Henson's wife) Mary, their family & the hundreds of players who were led by such a tremendous man & coach. He married Mary Brantner in 1954.His survivors include his wife and three daughters, Lori Henson, Lisa Rutter and Leigh Anne Edison; a sister, Rosemary Yates; a brother, Ken; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A passionate bridge player, he participated in many local tournaments. "Our Orange and Blue hearts are heavy," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. Low 62F. Today, Henson is Away from the court, Henson was genial and charming.