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Henson to step down as Illinois coach

The Big Ten will be without one of its senior mentors when the 1996-97 season rolls around. Illinois coach Lou Henson announced Saturday that he will retire following this season.

The 63-year-old Henson will remain at Illinois as a part-time assistant athletic director.

Despite a season that hasn't lived up to expectations, the Illini had just defeated No. 18 Iowa, 91-86, when Henson made the announcement. His retirement ended some speculation about the program's future, which could have turned potential recruits elsewhere.

"I've been thinking about it, and when we started losing, I wanted to go another year," Henson said, adding that he thought staying on would have hurt recruiting.

"I did what was best for the university rather than what I wanted personally," he said.

Henson's announcement shocked fans and players alike; his team was not informed beforehand.

"None of the players had any idea," guard Richard Keene said. "He caught us by surprise."

Henson's replacement has not yet been selected, but a decision should be made within a couple of months. Henson said he favored assistant Jimmy Collins, who joined him in 1983.

"Speaking of coaches in the league, there's been nobody who's been more willing to work and help to make the league better," Iowa coach Tom Davis said. "You look at all the wins and all the years and wish him the best."

Henson has been the coach at Illinois for 21 seasons, compiling a 422-220 record, 213-161 in the Big Ten. This is his 34th season as head coach, during which he has compiled a record of 661-327. That win total places him seventh among active NCAA Division I coaches.

Henson's Illinois teams are 17-25 against Michigan, including a Final Four loss in 1989. The Illini have not beaten the Wolverines since 1991.

Michigan coach Steve Fisher said that Henson and his wife are not simply coaching acquaintances of the Fisher's; the two couples are close friends.

"His breed is slowly becoming extinct -- guys who are in it for 35 years," Fisher said. "That breed will disappear when the Knights, the Dean Smiths are gone -- those guys who will dedicate themselves to the game."

Michigan beat Illinois, 83-68, Jan. 9. The two teams meet again Sunday at 2 p.m.

-- The Associated Press