Photo from UTEP

Don Haskins was the basketball coach of  Western Texas University (which later became University of Texas at El Paso). Don was the first coach that had the guts to do what he knew was best for the team and field the 5 best starters. What was radical in his case was that they were all black. This was back in 1966 when I was a little boy. I know that because of Don's boldness and let the devil be damned attitude we all benefitted from the enhanced opportunities for talented black players in college basketball and other sports too. Such an obvious play-why did so many other before him not see it or act on it? Another "why" question that remains unaswered. RIP-coach. Thanks for being brave and a role model to responsible leadership. Story from NY Times is here.