WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa — Southeastern Community College has named Steve Henson as the next head coach of the Blackhawks men's basketball program. Henson joins the Blackhawks after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Baylor University. Prior to Baylor, he spent eight seasons as head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he led the Roadrunners through Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference. In 2018, Henson was named Conference USA Coach of the Year after guiding UTSA to a 20-win season and a postseason appearance.
Throughout his coaching career, Henson has established himself as a respected leader with a reputation for recruiting top talent, developing student-athletes, and building disciplined, competitive programs. In addition to his time at Baylor and UTSA, he has held coaching positions at the University of Oklahoma, UNLV, the University of South Florida, the University of Illinois, and with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.
"Steve Henson has excelled at every level of basketball, and we're excited to welcome him to SCC," said Joe O'Brien, SCC athletic director. "His experience developing student-athletes and building successful programs makes him an outstanding fit for Blackhawk basketball."
A former standout point guard at Kansas State University, Henson was a four-year starter and First Team All-Big Eight selection. He remains among the Wildcats' all-time leaders in assists and is one of the top free-throw shooters in NCAA history. Following his collegiate career, he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 44th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft and went on to play professionally in the NBA and overseas.
"Steve's reputation for student-athlete development makes him a great fit for SCC," said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. "He brings seasoned leadership to our athletics program, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes and campus community."
As head coach, Henson will oversee all aspects of the Blackhawks men's basketball program, including recruiting, player development, practice planning, and game strategy. His experience at the NCAA Division I and professional levels brings a wealth of knowledge to SCC and provides student-athletes the opportunity to learn from a coach who has competed and coached at the highest levels of the game.
"I am honored to join Southeastern Community College as the next head coach of men’s basketball," Henson said. "The history of Blackhawk basketball, the support from the fans, and the pride surrounding this program made SCC the right place for me. I look forward to developing our student-athletes and building a culture of accountability, hard work, and excellence."
Henson starts on July 1 and replaces former head coach Lorenzo Watkins.
With three NJCAA Division I national championships and a long history of success, Blackhawk basketball has established itself as one of the nation's premier junior college programs. Henson now takes the reins of a program built on a tradition of competitive excellence and student-athlete development.
About Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College, with campuses in West Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students and strengthens communities. SCC offers transfer degrees, career and technical education, workforce training, and a vibrant student life experience, including nationally competitive athletics.
