Don Haskins Basketball Coach: Legacy & 1966 Championship

By Sarah Miller · August 22, 2037

Don Haskins was a legendary basketball coach best known for leading the 1966 Texas Western College (now UTEP) team to an NCAA championship with an all-Black starting lineup, breaking racial barriers in college sports and transforming American basketball history.

Who Was Don Haskins?

Donald Louis "Don" Haskins (March 14, 1930 – September 7, 2008) was an American college basketball coach who spent nearly four decades at Texas Western College (later the University of Texas at El Paso, or UTEP). He is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in collegiate basketball due to his role in integrating the sport during a time of deep racial segregation in the United States.

Haskins' legacy extends beyond wins and losses; he challenged societal norms by prioritizing talent over race, setting a precedent that reshaped college athletics nationwide.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born in Enid, Oklahoma, Haskins played high school basketball before attending Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University).
As a player, he earned All-American honors and helped lead his team to the 1951 Final Four.
He graduated in 1953 and briefly played professionally before transitioning into coaching.

The Historic 1966 NCAA Championship

The defining moment of Don Haskins' career came on March 19, 1966, when his Texas Western Miners defeated Adolph Rupp's all-white Kentucky Wildcats 72–65 in the NCAA championship game. This victory marked a turning point in sports and civil rights history.

Why the 1966 Game Was Revolutionary

It was the first time an all-Black starting lineup won the NCAA title: Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin, Orsten Artis, Harry Flournoy, and Willie Worsley.
The win challenged the widespread belief that Black players were less intelligent or disciplined than white players.
It pressured other Southern schools to integrate their teams, accelerating racial progress in college sports.

Filmed in the 2006 movie Glory Road, this game remains a symbol of courage, equality, and athletic excellence.

Coaching Philosophy and Style

Known as "The Bear," Haskins emphasized defense, toughness, and teamwork. His approach contrasted sharply with more flashy offensive systems of the era.

Key Elements of Haskins' Coaching Strategy

Defensive intensity: His teams led the nation in fewest points allowed multiple times.
Player development: He recruited overlooked athletes, especially from inner cities and underrepresented communities.
No-nonsense leadership: He demanded accountability, discipline, and effort above all else.
Racial equality: He evaluated players solely on skill, not skin color, long before integration became common.

Don Haskins' Career Statistics and Achievements

Career Milestone	Value
Total Seasons Coached	38
Total Wins	719
Winning Percentage	.675
NCAA Tournament Appearances	14
Final Four Appearances	2 (1966, 1975)
NCAA Championships	1 (1966)
Conference Titles	12
Inducted into Naismith Hall of Fame	1997
Retired Jersey Number (UTEP)	Number retired institutionally

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Haskins maintained consistent success over nearly four decades, with a winning percentage well above .600 and multiple deep tournament runs. His 719 victories rank among the top 50 in Division I men's basketball history.

Notably, his 1966 championship remains one of the most culturally significant in sports history, transcending athletics and influencing broader social change.

Awards and Legacy

Don Haskins received numerous accolades for his contributions to basketball and society:

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Recipient of the John Bunn Award, the Hall of Fame's highest honor for coaches.
Named to the NCAA's 100 Most Influential People in College Basketball History list.
His 1966 team was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.
UTEP renamed its arena the Don Haskins Center in 1998.

Haskins continued coaching until 1999 and remained a respected voice in basketball until his death in 2008. His influence can be seen in the diversity of modern college and professional rosters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Haskins

What is Don Haskins most famous for?

Don Haskins is most famous for coaching the 1966 Texas Western team to an NCAA championship using an all-Black starting lineup, making a bold statement against racial discrimination in college sports.

Did Don Haskins integrate college basketball?

While he didn't single-handedly integrate college basketball, Haskins played a pivotal role by fielding the first non-substituted all-Black starting five in an NCAA final. His actions forced other programs to reconsider racial biases and accelerated integration across the sport.

How many games did Don Haskins win?

Over his 38-year coaching career at UTEP, Don Haskins accumulated 719 wins, giving him a winning percentage of .675 and placing him among the winningest coaches in NCAA Division I history.

Is there a movie about Don Haskins?

Yes, the 2006 film Glory Road directed by James Gartner tells the story of Haskins and the 1966 Texas Western championship team. It highlights both the athletic achievement and the racial challenges they overcame.

Where did Don Haskins coach?

Don Haskins coached exclusively at Texas Western College, which later became the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He served as head coach from 1961 to 1999 and became a lasting icon of the program and city.