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Boys basketball: Coach Danny Henderson leaving Marcus for Duncanville
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
As if having 12 seniors -- including the last two Class 5A State Championship Game MVPs -- graduate from its 2012 state title team wasn't enough, Marcus' boys basketball team will take on an even different look than expected next year.
Coach Danny Henderson, who has led the Marauders to the state tournament in each of his three seasons with the program, has accepted a position to become the head boys basketball coach at Duncanville.
Joining Henderson at Duncanville will be assistant coach Kenny Boren, who Henderson has often credited as being the architect of Marcus' dominant defense.
Henderson takes over a Duncanville program that has won multiple state titles, including its last in 2007. The Lady Panthers also won the girls state title in 2012.
"To be honest, the tradition at Duncanville really wasn't one of the attractions at all," Henderson said. "Not that it's a bad thing, but that's really a double-edged sword and the expectations at Duncanville are probably higher than anywhere.
"Cathy Self-Morgan (Duncanville athletic director and girls basketball coach) and Dr. Alfred Ray (superintendent) approached me and, I hate to use the phrase but, they presented me with an offer I couldn't refuse. I was totally caught off guard with the position opening up, but it was something I had to do. The financial package and the whole set up really made it the perfect opportunity."
Henderson leaves Marcus following an impressive three-year run that saw the Marauders compile a record of 115-6, including three consecutive district titles, three consecutive Region I titles and three appearances at the state tournament with championships in 2011 and 2012. He was named the national Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by MaxPreps earlier this spring and was also a finalist for the Naismith High School Boys Coach of the Year.
"I have a deep gratitude to Marcus and the community of Flower Mound for everything they have done," Henderson said. "It's been the best three years of my life.
"During our three years we've had the motto of 'One Team' and that's what stands out the most. The players we've had, the athletic trainers, the coaches, the faculty and our student body really bought into that philosophy and that's what made it special. Everything was done in the best interest of the team and the results were amazing. We had talented players, but it really goes a lot deeper than that. Everyone pulled for each other and that's what made it so cool. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find anything that equals the run Marcus has had the last three years."
The Marauders had five players sign letters of intent to play in college next year (Marcus Smart -- Oklahoma State, Phil Forte -- Oklahoma State, Nick Banyard -- New Mexico, A.J. Luckey -- Lubbock Christian and John Malone -- Henderson State).
Rumors of Henderson leaving Marcus have been abound following Marcus' state-title run, including thoughts of him accepting a coaching position in the college ranks. However, Henderson elected to continue coaching in the friendly confines of Class 5A in the Metroplex.
"I really wasn't close on anything like that," Henderson said of a potential position in college. "And I wasn't looking to leave Marcus. But I'm a teacher on a teacher's salary and I have to look down the road and consider the financial package. I have a daughter that I want to send to college in four years and that can be a daunting task. This has been the answer to our family's financial prayers."
Henderson added that the inclusion of Boren was critical in the move.
"It was something I pushed for," he said. "And it would have had a big impact on my decision if Kenny wasn't going too. They set him up with a nice package as well and we're very excited."
Henderson and Boren are quite familiar with the Panthers as Marcus eliminated Duncanville in the area round of the playoffs each of the past three seasons.
Henderson believes the principles established at his previous coaching stops will translate to success at Duncanville.
"That's the only way we know how to do it," he said. "Kids will be kids. We're always going to love the kids and if we instill the discipline, work ethic and play great defense, we expect to do incredible things."
Henderson and Boren will continue to fulfill their duties at Marcus during the spring and summer before starting at Duncanville in August.
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