CLEVELAND -- After three seasons on the Missouri State sideline, MSU assistant men's basketball coach Jermaine Henderson has accepted an assistant coaching job at Cleveland State University, the school announced Thursday (June 4) afternoon.

Henderson came to the Springfield campus on April 20, 2012 after 19 years as a player and assistant coach at Miami (Ohio) University where he was associate head coach for his last seven years there. The former high school All-American at Columbus East High was part of more than 300 wins at Miami and was instrumental in the Bears' nationally-ranked turnaround in his second season in 2013-14 that culminated in a 20-win campaign at MSU and postseason CIT tournament bid.

"Cleveland State pursued Jermaine and put an outstanding professional and personal opportunity in front of him, and he has my full support on this," said Bears' head coach Paul Lusk. "This move allows him to return home to Ohio, and as a friend I'm excited for him.

"I want to thank Jermaine for his three years with our team. He's done a great job with our program and within the community. He's a quality person, and I wish him nothing but the best."

According to Lusk, a search will begin immediately at Missouri State for Henderson's replacement.

"I just want to thank Coach Lusk and the administration at Missouri State for the opportunity to coach here and for the doors this has opened for me," Henderson said. "As much as I'm eager to start at Cleveland State, I'm so thankful for the players, fans and staff I've had a chance to meet here in Springfield." 

#MSUBears