In a significant move for the Drake University men's basketball program, Eric Henderson has been appointed as the head coach, as confirmed by Athletic Director Brian Hardin on Friday. This marks a new chapter for the Bulldogs, as Henderson becomes the 31st head coach in the history of the program.

"I'm thrilled to join Drake Nation," Henderson expressed, sharing his enthusiasm for this new opportunity. "From early discussions it was clear that the values and vision of President Marty Martin and Brian Hardin align perfectly with my own. I'm grateful for the chance to contribute to the exciting future of Drake basketball. The energy surrounding the program is phenomenal, and I look forward to fostering relationships within this remarkable university community and its passionate fan base. Go Bulldogs!"

Henderson, a Coggon, Iowa native, comes to Drake after a highly successful six-year tenure as head coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Under his leadership, the Jackrabbits amassed an impressive 129-60 overall record along with a stellar 76-20 mark in the Summit League. During this time, Henderson's teams consistently ranked among the top in the league, earning multiple regular season titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Brian Hardin commented on Henderson's hiring, stating, "Eric distinguished himself as the best candidate to lead our men's basketball program from a talented pool. He elevated South Dakota State into not just a premier program within the Summit League but also one of the best at our level nationwide. Importantly, Eric is an educator at heart, committed to the personal development of his players, aligning perfectly with our values at Drake."

In the recent 2023-24 season, under Henderson’s guidance, the Jackrabbits secured both the Summit League regular season and conference tournament titles. Several players achieved individual honors, showcasing Henderson’s ability to foster talent, with standout performances from Zeke Mayo (Player of the Year) and William Kyle III (Defensive Player of the Year).

Henderson's tenure at South Dakota State culminated in the historic 2021-22 season when the team achieved a remarkable 30-5 record and went 18-0 in Summit League play. This marked the first time in league history that a team finished the regular season undefeated, while also making history as the first Summit League team to achieve 30 wins in a single season. Under his management, SDSU was recognized nationally, even earning votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

As a testament to his impactful coaching career, Henderson was named the Summit League Coach of the Year and earned accolades as the NABC District 12 Coach of the Year. His coaching style emphasizes both academics and athletics, aiming to develop well-rounded student-athletes who excel on and off the court.

Before leading South Dakota State, Henderson built a strong foundation at Wayne State and North Dakota State, where he began his career as an assistant coach. He has dedicated his life to coaching at various levels, including stints in high school basketball and as a graduate manager at Iowa State.

Henderson and his wife, Alicia, are proud parents to four children: sons Kooper, Kort, Kyler, and daughter McKinley. As they embark on this new journey at Drake University, the Henderson family is ready to make an impact not just in sports but also within the broader community.

With Eric Henderson at the helm, the Drake Bulldogs are set for an exciting future. Fans are eager to see how his proven track record of success and commitment to player development will shape the program in the coming years, as they strive for new heights in college basketball.