kcci
The Drake men's basketball team is gearing up for the upcoming college basketball season, which begins on Nov. 4, now less than a month away. For the first time in three years, the Bulldogs have kept their head coach for a second consecutive season, with Eric Henderson returning to lead the program.
Henderson, who was named Drake's head coach in April, had limited time to assemble a team for his inaugural season, which concluded with a 14-20 record. He accepted responsibility for the disappointing outcome and implemented significant changes during the offseason.
In his efforts to improve the team, Henderson recruited more athletic, physical, and experienced players, and completely revamped the defensive strategy. The roster now features eight new players, including three Division I transfers, while six players from last year's team remain.
Among the returners, Eli Shetler, Andrew Alia, and Owen Larson are experiencing, for the first time, what it's like to have the same head coach for two consecutive years. KCCI Sports Reporter Shannon Ehrhardt discovered that Shetler, Alia, and Larson are all roommates and have taken up a new hobby together.
Key Analysis
The continuity under Henderson marks a significant shift for Drake, which had seen coaching turnover in recent years. With a retooled roster and a renewed defensive focus, the Bulldogs aim to improve upon last season's record and compete more effectively in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Originally reported by kcci.