Don Haskins Basketball Legacy and 1966 Championship Impact

By Sarah Miller · December 22, 2029

Don Haskins: The Revolutionary Coach Who Changed College Basketball Forever

Don Haskins, known as “The Bear,” was a pioneering basketball coach best known for leading Texas Western College (now UTEP) to a historic 1966 NCAA Championship by starting five Black players—a first in college basketball—defeating the segregated powerhouse Kentucky. His legacy combines coaching excellence with social courage, reshaping racial integration in sports.

The Life and Career of Don Haskins

Born December 14, 1930, in Oklahoma, Don Haskins played college basketball at Oklahoma A&M under legendary coach Henry Iba. After a brief professional stint in the NBA with the Lakers, he transitioned into coaching, eventually landing at Texas Western in 1961. Over 38 seasons, Haskins built a program defined by discipline, defense, and integrity.

Key Milestones in Haskins’ Coaching Journey

Head coach at Texas Western/UTEP from 1961 to 1999
1966 NCAA National Championship victory with an all-Black starting lineup
719 career wins, ranking among the top coaches in NCAA history
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997
Subject of the 2006 film Glory Road, highlighting his 1966 team’s impact

The 1966 NCAA Championship: A Game That Changed History

The 1966 NCAA final between Texas Western and Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats was more than a basketball game—it was a cultural turning point. At a time when racial segregation was still widespread, Haskins started five African American players: Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Orsten Artis, Harry Flournoy, and Willie Worsley.

This bold decision defied norms and challenged the unwritten rules of Southern college basketball. Texas Western won 72–65, proving that talent outweighed prejudice and forcing other programs to reconsider their recruitment policies.

Why the 1966 Victory Was Revolutionary

First time an all-Black starting lineup won the NCAA title
Exposed systemic racism in collegiate athletics
Accelerated integration across major college programs
Empowered future generations of Black athletes and coaches
Elevated mid-major programs as national contenders

Statistic	Texas Western (1966)	Kentucky (1966)
Field Goal %	.481	.391
Points Scored	72	65
Rebounds	45	42
Assists	13	9
Turnovers	11	16
Starters (Black players)	5	0

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Texas Western outperformed Kentucky in efficiency and ball control. Their higher field goal percentage and lower turnover count reflect superior execution under pressure. Most significantly, the full utilization of Black starters contrasted sharply with Kentucky’s racially restricted roster, underscoring both athletic and moral superiority.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Don Haskins was renowned for his no-nonsense approach. He emphasized defense, toughness, and team unity over individual stardom. His practices were grueling, but players respected his fairness and consistency.

Core Principles of Haskins’ System

Defensive intensity: Ranked top 10 nationally in defensive efficiency multiple times
Player accountability: Minimal tolerance for off-court distractions
Racial equality: Recruited based on merit, not skin color
Loyalty: Stayed at UTEP for 38 years despite offers from power conferences

Haskins mentored numerous professional players and influenced countless coaches. His commitment to equity helped dismantle barriers in college sports, paving the way for diverse leadership in athletics.

About Don Haskins Basketball: Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Don Haskins and why is he important in basketball history?

Don Haskins was a Hall of Fame college basketball coach who led Texas Western to the 1966 NCAA Championship using the first all-Black starting lineup in the title game. His decision challenged racial segregation in college sports and accelerated integration nationwide, making him a pivotal figure in both athletic and social history.

What did Don Haskins do that was so controversial in 1966?

In the 1966 NCAA final, Haskins started five Black players against segregated Kentucky, coached by Adolph Rupp. At the time, major Southern programs rarely featured multiple Black athletes. This move broke unspoken racial barriers and sparked national conversation about equality in sports.

How many wins did Don Haskins have in his career?

Don Haskins accumulated 719 career victories during his 38-year tenure at UTEP, making him one of the winningest coaches in NCAA Division I men's basketball history at the time of his retirement in 1999.

Was the 1966 championship game depicted in a movie?

Yes, the 1966 Texas Western championship story was portrayed in the 2006 Disney film Glory Road. Directed by James Gartner, the movie dramatizes Haskins’ recruitment of Black players and their path to the national title, bringing wider public awareness to this landmark moment.

Did Don Haskins receive recognition for his contributions to basketball?

Yes, Don Haskins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. He also received the John Bunn Award from the Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2006, President George W. Bush honored him at the White House for his role in advancing civil rights through sports.