Former UTEP basketball coach Haskins, dead at 78

[DesertPirate]

Don Haskins who led the then Texas Western Miners to the 1966 NCAA Championship died today at 78. That was the first team to win the NCAA Championship with an all black starting lineup.
I grew up rooting against him but he did some very good groundbreaking work. This is a sad day in my old Southwest stomping grounds.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8536482/Hall-of-Fame-coach-Haskins-dies-at-78

 

[DG Hear]

Always sorry to hear about someone dying. Prayers to the family.

Every life touches so many others.

 

[R. Richard]

Don Haskins who led the then Texas Western Miners to the 1966 NCAA Championship died today at 78. That was the first team to win the NCAA Championship with an all black starting lineup.
I grew up rooting against him but he did some very good groundbreaking work. This is a sad day in my old Southwest stomping grounds.

I have read of the event. Haskins built his team around point guard Bobby Joe Hill and center David Lattin. After they beat Kentucky, black players began to be recruited by major college basketball teams.

 

[DesertPirate]

I have read of the event. Haskins built his team around point guard Bobby Joe Hill and center David Lattin. After they beat Kentucky, black players began to be recruited by major college basketball teams.

I grew up 40 miles away where my Dad taught at NMSU. It's a big rivalry there and in basketball it's a home and nome series every year no matter what conferences both schools are in. Never the same in my lifetime. Think UNC - Duke for something similar. There is also UNM - NMSU and UNM - UTEP makes fo a nice 3 way dogfight. up and down I 10 and I 25. It was a very big deal anytime we beat one of his teams since they were always good.

 

[Belegon]

Haskins took a stand at a time when it could have cost him everything. People today forget what the pressures were then.

I admire that.

RIP Don.

 

[sweetness6280]

Wow... he will be missed.

He was a great man, who inspired and influenced so many of his players. RIP