(KMOX) - The winningest coach in men's basketball history at the University of Illinois and New Mexico State, died Saturday at his home in Champaign, Illinois. Lou Henson was 88-years-old.
A private graveside service was held with family members earlier today (Wednesday) in Champaign.
The Henson family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and fans consider a memorial contribution in Coach Henson's name to a local Boys & Girls Club or a number of foundations on a list posted, here.
Henson still ranks fifth all-time among Big Ten coaches in both total wins (423) and conference wins (214).
Henson was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, the New Mexico State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978, the Hardin-Simmons Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
The playing floor at State Farm Center was officially dedicated as Lou Henson Court on Dec. 2, 2015, and his name also adorns the court at New Mexico State.