Providence College men’s basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley announced today (November 30) that LaDontae Henton has been promoted to the Associate Director of Player Development, Scouting and Recruiting Coordination position. Henton, who had served as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach for the last 18 months, replaces Bob Walsh who resigned last month to become an assistant coach at Iona College.
“I am excited that we are able to promote LaDontae and reward him for his hard work, dedication and loyalty,” Cooley said. “LaDontae was our first recruit when we started at Providence in 2011. His values and work ethic make him a great role model for our student-athletes. He has had success at every level of the game and I appreciate that he is able to share his experience and wisdom with our players. This is another step in his career.”
As the Associate Director of Player Development, Scouting and Recruiting Coordination, Henton is responsible for off-court player growth and monitoring their progress. He assists the staff with opponent video breakdown and development of opponent scouting reports. He also assists the staff with all aspects of on-campus recruiting visits.
In his first season as a member of Ed Cooley‘s staff in 2021-22, Henton helped lead the Friars as they earned an at-large bid as a four seed to their 21st NCAA Tournament overall and sixth in 11 years under Cooley. Providence posted a 27-6 mark and a 14-3 record in BIG EAST play. The Friars won the BIG EAST Regular-Season Title for the first time ever. The Friars defeated South Dakota State (66-57) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament and Richmond (79-51) in the Second Round to advance to the Sweet 16. The Friars made their first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 1997 and their sixth appearance overall. The team was defeated by eventual national champion Kansas, 66-61, in the Midwest Regional.
Henton is in his second season as a member of Ed Cooley‘s staff. Henton was hired as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach in July, 2021. This is Henton’s second stint at Providence. The former Friar great played for the team from 2011-2015 while getting his degree in Social Science.
Henton led the Friars to three post-season berths (one NIT, two NCAAs) and one Big East title (2014) in his four seasons at Providence. Henton became the second Friar ever to score more than 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds in his career. He ranks second all-time in scoring (2,059 points) and fifth all time in rebounding (1,054 rebounds). As a senior, he was named Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America, First Team ALL-BIG EAST, United States Basketball Writers Association District 1 Player of the Year and USBW All-District 1 Team.
After graduating from Providence, Henton spent six years playing professional basketball. He began his pro career in Spain, but he also has played in the Philippines, Hungary, Israel and had several stints in the G League. In 2020-21, he played for the Hsinchu Lioneers of the P League in Taiwan during his final professional season.
