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SPORTS ZONE 2: Coach Struggles to Return

Only 22 things separate Lou Henson from becoming the fifth coach in division I college basketball history to win 800 games: 21 victories and his poor health. On Wednesday, Henson announced that at the end of this season, he will decide whether or not he will continue coaching or retire.

In the summer of 2003, Henson was diagnosed with a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This type of cancer attacks the lymphatic system. Also known as the immune system, the lymphatic system is the part of your body that fights off diseases and infections. Currently, Henson's cancer is in remission. In other words, there is no active cancer in his body right now, but it may come back in time. He suffered another health setback in September when he contracted viral encephalitis, an infection in the brain. Henson now uses a wheelchair because the infection left him partially paralyzed. And after planning a comeback in January of this year, he came down with pneumonia, preventing him from returning to his team.

Henson began his illustrious career in 1966 at New Mexico State. He coached at University of Illinois for 21 years and retired in 1996. He came out of retirement a year later and returned to coach his New Mexico State Aggies.

Henson has 779 wins and 408 losses in his 42 years of coaching. But it's hard to say whether or not he will be able to return. "It will all be settled when the season is over," Henson said to reporters Wednesday. "My plans will be revealed. Health is going to be a big factor for me."

--Written by Sarah Kurachek

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