Drake Retained Coach Henderson After Rebuilding Roster
Drake University kept head coach Eric Henderson to lead the men's basketball team through the upcoming season.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Basketball
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The Drake men's basketball team has officially retained head coach Eric Henderson for a second consecutive season. The decision follows a previous campaign where the team finished with a 14-20 record.
Why it matters
The program opted to maintain coaching consistency while executing a significant roster overhaul intended to improve competitive performance. Henderson is focusing on defensive adjustments and team depth to recover from last year's results.
The roster has been significantly refreshed with eight new players, including three Division I transfers, joining six returnees from the previous 14-20 squad.
The players
Eric Henderson
He serves as the head coach of the Drake men's basketball team and is tasked with improving the squad's performance.
Drake University
This Des Moines institution is the home of the men's basketball team and sponsors the athletic program.
The details
To shift the team's trajectory, Henderson focused on recruiting more physical and experienced athletes while implementing a revamped defensive scheme. The roster rebuild is designed to provide immediate depth and size to address the shortcomings of the previous season.
Timeline
Eric Henderson was introduced as head coach in April.
The college basketball season begins November 4.
Season Trajectory
The team's reliance on multiple Division I transfers follows the pattern set by the NCAA Division I men's basketball roster transition portal. This influx of experienced talent aims to shift the team's competitive standing and playoff potential within the conference.
The reliance on eight new players means that rotation roles and starting lineups will remain fluid as the team enters the opening games. Fantasy contributors and followers should monitor the integration of the three Division I transfers to see how they impact the team's scoring efficiency.
The takeaway
Maintaining coaching continuity while aggressively recruiting new talent is a common strategy for programs looking to rebound quickly. Success will depend on how fast the eight new players can adapt to the team's new defensive philosophy.
What happens next
The Drake men's basketball team is scheduled to begin their season on November 4.
Further reading
For more on the local college hoops scene, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCCI.
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