Queens University of Charlotte Athletics

The 2012-13 season will mark Ray Henderson’s third on the Queens Basketball staff, after helping the Royals earn conference championships in each of his first two years with the program. During his first two seasons on the bench, Henderson has been responsible for assisting in individual workouts, on-floor coaching in practice, and individual skill improvement of the Royals’ big men. As he enters his third go-round on Wes Long’s staff, the head coach is excited about Henderson’s development and abilities to impact more areas.
 
“Coach Henderson brings a much needed perspective and personality to our program, and his involvement helps all of us – coaches and players alike,” said Long. “He played the game at a very high level, and that means a lot when you get between the lines. His ability to assist our players in one-on-one teaching moments is critical to helping them understand the smaller concepts that lead to big picture success.”
 
Henderson’s mentorship helped current junior forward Brent Evans earn 2011 Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year honors, as well as help senior forward Antonio Stabler earn all-conference honors after the 2011-12 season. Henderson has significantly developed senior post Sam Johnson’s skills on both ends of the floor. Long is the first to understand Henderson’s impact and praise him for his contributions in the early stages of his coaching career.
 
“Ray is a valuable member of our staff, one that makes me feel like my staff is extremely well-rounded. Those three guys all have different personalities, and Ray is able to interact or connect in a manner that is different from the other coaches. With such rich basketball playing experience on his resume, Ray can be a dynamic teacher on the floor. As he continues to grow and stretch himself as a coach, it will be fun to allow an expansion of responsibilities and opportunities for his influence.”
 
Henderson and Long were teammates at Clemson, where Henderson turned in a solid career from 1999-2003. Henderson scored over 600 points and grabbed 600-plus rebounds during a career that saw him average 5.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and finish as a co-captain of the 2003 Tigers.
 
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.
 
The 31-year old Charlotte native attended East Mecklenburg High School before heading to Clemson  and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management in 2003.