Don Haskins -- legendary coach of the 1966 Texas Western basketball team that unseated Adolph Rupp's Kentucky machine for the national title, quite possibly the greatest upset in the history of sports for a multitude of reasons -- passed away yesterday, after a long illness. I didn't know the man, and I only knew a little about his program, mostly what's passed down from the legend of that 1966 team of his. But I know that he was a good coach, and a great man, and the college basketball landscape is lesser today for having lost him.
Don Haskins changed college basketball, starting -- and winning with -- five African American athletes against the most notoriously racist coach in the history of the college basketball game in 1966. He changed his tiny corner of the world for the better. Even if you couldn't give a rat's ass about basketball, take a minute and thank Don Haskins for being a great person, because he was one. He was one of the great ones.
And now if you'll excuse me, I have to go watch Glory Road and cry.