Illini announce ‘Lou Henson Court' for hoops at State Farm Center

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The Illini made it official Monday, announcing that the court at the State Farm Center will be named in honor of the program's all-time winningest coach, Lou Henson.

A new logo will be placed on the court at the soon-to-be-renovated State Farm Center in Champaign for all men's and women's basketball games. The logo, signifying that games are played on "Lou Henson Court," consists of the legendary coach's signature, his trademark orange blazer and a set of wings to represent Henson's Flyin' Illini team that went to the Final Four in 1989.

Henson coached the Illini for 21 seasons from 1975 to 1996, winning 423 games including 213 Big Ten contests. He took the Illini to eight straight NCAA tournaments from 1983 to 1990, including a trip to the 1989 Final Four, one of five Final Four appearances in program history.

"The University of Illinois is extremely honored to recognize one of our most iconic figures with the naming of Lou Henson Court," Illinois athletics director Mike Thomas said in the announcement. "Lou has made an incredible impact and contribution to Fighting Illini basketball and the university. One of the most humble individuals you could ever know, Lou and Mary are recognized wherever they are at and treat everyone they meet with great respect. The current renovation project at State Farm Center would probably not be possible if not for the success led by coach Henson here at Illinois. This is a fitting tribute to one of the all-time great coaches and people to be associated with Illinois."

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Henson will be inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in November, shortly before the first game is to be played on Lou Henson Court at a fully renovated State Farm Center on Dec. 2.

The Illini released a picture of what the court will look like with the logo on it:

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Henson, Thomas, head men's basketball coach John Groce and head women's basketball coach Matt Bollant were all in attendance Monday in Champaign for the announcement, all sporting orange blazers.

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