Steven Haynes -- Assistant Sports Information Director
8/6/2010 12:57:06 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Head men’s basketball coach Wes Long announced the addition of Ray Henderson, a Charlotte native and former Clemson University big man to his coaching staff today. Henderson played his prep basketball at Charlotte’s East Mecklenburg High School before earning a scholarship and playing for the Tigers from 1999 to 2003, a time during which he and Long crossed paths.
“Ray was one of our starters when I was a walk-on and later a student manager, so it’s safe to say that I’ve already had a chance to observe Ray plenty,” said Long. “My most important job was to take the pad and do my best to beat up on Ray in practice, but I usually lost that fight.”
Henderson turned in a solid career at Clemson, after eclipsing the 600-mark in both points scored and rebounds. Ray graduated from Clemson in 2003 with career averages of 5.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. As a senior in 2002-03, Henderson was named co-captain of his Clemson team.
Henderson went on to play six seasons in Europe, including four-plus seasons with Switzerland’s Starwings Basket Regio club, where during his final season in 2009 he averaged 14.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. After retiring this past winter, Henderson moved back to Charlotte and watched a number of Queens’ home games.
After a conversation in the early summer, Long was excited that Henderson was interested in coaching.
“Ray has a sharp basketball mind, and he’s been around the game for a long, long time – so when he expressed the desire to coach, I was very excited about that. I am confident that he will bring a unique perspective to our program, and I know that his experiences will enable him to be a great teacher.”
Henderson has worked Queens basketball camps during the past five summers, and those weeks of camp have given Long more chances to observe his long-time friend in a different setting.
“I’m excited because I know that our players are going to be the beneficiaries of having Coach Henderson on board. He’s very good with young people. He blends his knowledge with a patience that is really effective. Our post players are going to be excited, and I’m thrilled to have him with us.”