Lou Henson named to National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

Long live the orange blazer. In a joint press conference with New Mexico State, Illinois Basketball will announce on Monday afternoon that former head coach Lou Henson has been named to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Henson, who began his Illini coaching career in 1975 when Gene Bartow left to replace John Wooden at UCLA, guided the Illini to a record of 423-224 (214-164) during his 21-year tenure.

Henson is perhaps most well known for coaching the 'Flying Illini' during the 1989 season; Henson led them to a record of 31-5 (14-4) en route to the Final Four. The 1989 squad is widely regarded as the best team in the history of Illinois Basketball (although some would argue in favor of the 2005 squad).

Henson coached several future NBA players during his time at Illinois including Eddie Johnson, Derek Harper, Ken Norman, Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill, Kenny Battle, Marcus Liberty, Steve Bardo, and Kiwane Garris.

Lately, there's been a significant movement from the Illinois fan base to name the court at State Farm Center after Henson. The effort is picking up some steam and it appears that'll happen in the very near future.

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