Interview Reveals Insights from Drake Basketball Coach Eric Henderson
Eric Henderson is set to lead the Drake Bulldogs as their head coach, beginning the 2025-26 season in Sioux Falls. This marks a significant transition for Henderson, who previously coached the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. His first game with Drake will take place on Monday at the Sanford Pentagon, where they will face Northern Arizona at 3 p.m. This event is part of the Field of 68 Showcase, which also features games between Murray State and Omaha at 12:30 p.m., and the Jackrabbits versus Merrimack at 8 p.m.
Career Highlights of Eric Henderson
Before joining Drake, Eric Henderson enjoyed a successful six-year tenure at South Dakota State (SDSU), where he achieved:
- Record: 129-60
- Two NCAA tournament appearances
- Four regular-season conference titles
- Four seasons with over 20 wins
- One historic 30-win season in 2022
Transition to Drake
Henderson resigned from SDSU in the spring of 2025 to take over at Drake, succeeding Ben McCollum, who left for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite the challenges of leaving a beloved program, Henderson view this move as a natural progression in his career.
Building a New Team
Upon joining Drake, Henderson faced the challenge of assembling a competitive team. He started by recruiting two key players from his previous team:
- Owen Larson (point guard)
- Griffin Goodbary (big man from Sioux Falls Christian)
He also brought along assistant coaches Rob Klinkefus, Tramel Barnes, and Billy Brown to maintain continuity in coaching and team culture.
Player Development and Expectations
Henderson emphasized the importance of character and experience in team-building, relying heavily on the transfer portal to recruit older players. He stated that the expectations are high at Drake, aiming for immediate success rather than long-term development.
Reflections on His Time at SDSU
Looking back, Henderson cherishes the connections he built during his time at SDSU. He values the opportunities he had in helping players grow both on and off the court. His time in Brookings allowed him to create lasting memories and foster meaningful relationships.
Looking Forward
With his new team, Henderson aims to uphold Drake’s strong basketball tradition. He acknowledges the pressure of high expectations, given the success of previous coaches who advanced to notable positions. Nevertheless, he is focused on fostering a competitive spirit while building a cohesive team.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their season opener, Henderson is excited about the future and the potential for success at Drake. He remains supportive of his former players and the program he left behind, establishing a legacy of excellence in college basketball.
