Illinois renames playing surface 'Lou Henson Court' in honor of former coach
Illinois is cementing the legacy of a beloved former coach by etching his name on their floor.
The Fighting Illini have renamed their playing surface "Lou Henson Court," in honor of the former bench boss who led the team to 423 victories during his 21-year tenure with the program.
The school unveiled its new court design paying tribute to Henson on Monday.
The name change went into effect immediately.
Henson, 83, announced Monday that he is fighting "pre-leukemia" and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reports.
The school's State Farm Center is in the midst of renovations, meaning the floor won't see game action until Illinois' home game on Dec. 2 against Notre Dame.
Henson coached Illinois between 1975 and 1996, leading the program to a Final Four berth in 1989 .
He started his coaching career with Hardin-Simmons in 1962, before moving in 1966 to his alma mater New Mexico State, where he played guard during his collegiate career in the early 1950s.
Following his tenure at Illinois, Henson returned to Las Cruces, resuming head coaching duties at New Mexico State from 1997 to 2005.