LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Frail but smiling, coach Lou Henson of New Mexico State pulled himself up from his wheelchair — his focus no longer on winning basketball games, but merely to walk again.

Henson, 73, retired yesterday with a career record of 779-413 at New Mexico State, Illinois and Hardin-Simmons. He ranks sixth in Division I wins. Texas Tech's Bob Knight is the only active Division I coach with more wins than Henson. Knight is 843-326.

Henson, known for his "Lou Do" hairstyle, found his ongoing health problems too tough an opponent.

"I expect my players to give 100 percent or they come out of the game," he said. "I can expect no less of myself. So because I am physically unable to give my all, I am taking myself out of the game."

Henson was diagnosed with a form of cancer two years ago. The cancer is in remission. But in September he was hospitalized with viral encephalitis, a disease that left his right leg paralyzed.