I'm saying Coach Tim Floyd is working with two advantages his mentor, the late His Coachency, went without.
Many ares comparing the two as clones. Here is where some separation takes place:
1) Floyd is a better recruiter at his age than was Coach Haskins. Recall it was Floyd, followed by Rus Bradburd, who brought in the great Miner teams of the 1980s. By then Haskins wasn't traveling to many homes, anymore.
When UTEP was hit with two NCAA probations in (circa) the 1990s, it didn't matter who the recruiter was. The ensuing loss of scholarships kills just about any program for several years. You cannot miss any ANY recruit when you have fewer scholarships to give in the first place. And even the best recruiters make some mistakes. Haskins finished his career under that drape.
NOTE: But I know he was having fun. Sometimes he'd wink at us after getting a technical foul. He was always jolly in his post-game conferences.
2) Floyd is healthier than was the aging, ailing Haskins during the last 15 or so years of his Hall of Fame career. He even missed a season with a throat condition (when Norm Ellenberger filled in). Remember he once or twice got "the flu" when it was time to fly to a game in Hawaii. He hated flying. By the time he retired he was at 300,000 miles on his odometer and had more new body parts than a 1966 Chevy pickup.
Floyd seems to thrive on the recruiting aspect of the job.
Haskins is a genius coach. Floyd is a top-notch coach, but has the above going in his favor.
There is one more advantage for Floyd, Joe. NBA coaching experience. It shows in some of the things we do offensively.
Posted by: CLEOFITZWITZ | January 24, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Munch:
The only thing you thrive on is bashing someone. Given enough time you will find something to say that is negative about Floyd.
Haskins was here long before you were and it really appears that you have overstayed your welcome in El Paso.
Posted by: John C | January 24, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Sorry, John. Joe's right on this one. Had you been around in the 70's the Don was a much different person. It's a shame he let his health go like he did. Doesn't matter how long you have "been around" if you are battling all the stuff he was.
Floyd looks the same as I saw in the 80's, and I was at the game against U of H on Saturday. Guy is in amazing shape and that should pay big-time in next few years (if he stays a few years).
As for the recruiting, the names speak for themselves.
Posted by: NMSU '80 | January 24, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Hey Joe, I agree that Floyd can recruit and definitely coach. But the master (Haskins) studied under a legend (Iba) and I am sure Floyd will be the first to tell you how fortunate he was that his"coachency" (the Master)took him under his wing. I disagree! I see them as trade offs. Just as Haskins evolved from Iba; Floyd evolved from Haskins. Hard to debate the fact that "the Man" struggled with his health late in his career. Floyd is fortunate in that respect. But lets not forget folks! His "Coachency" stunned the basketball world by beating some team named Kentucky, coached by some guy named Rupp! Advantage his "coachency"!As for Floyd and his tenure at Texas-El Paso? Get used to seeing him around "formidable Aggies" the Miners are poised to take over the series.You Aggies are gonna be swept right out of the gym! Ive got a sneeking suspicion that his "new Coachency" will win the whole enchilada before all is said and done! A fitting tribute to "the Man" who started it all! GO ORANGE! GO MINERS!
Posted by: James | January 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Floyd has changed these boys into men. Haskins had the same style, players that had great athletic ability but lacked maturity were transformed instantly under his guidance. Wish Mike Price had the same ability, maybe his teams wouldn't be embarrassed on a national stage time and time again.
Posted by: John Franco | January 25, 2011 at 04:03 PM
The main thing to remember is, without Haskins, there is no Floyd. All one has to do is listen to Coach Floyd for a few minutes and he quickly makes reference to his mentor. This exhudes the lessons that were learned and well taught, what a joy to have him back home @ UTEP. Hope it happens this year with a great bunch of kids, if not, there are several runs in the NCAA tournament in the works!!
Posted by: Miners 1 | January 26, 2011 at 02:44 AM
Terrible day. I have to miss tonight's game because of work. But I anticipate a very well prepared Miner squad tonight against Tulane. 20 games in, one thing has held true. The Tim Floyd coached Miners do not come in to games unprepared. And again, it starts with the defense. We may have an off night shooting, but we will always be in the game because of our dedication to defense. That is the most important lesson Tim Floyd learned from Coach Haskins.
Posted by: CLEOFITZWITZ | January 26, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I don't think it was a comparison of talents so much as it was stating advantages at this stage of his career. CTF is a fantastic coach in his own right - if he can get a National Championship then he becomes his mentors equal. That's how it works.
Though I think Joe is being fair here. Coach has health problems which kept him from recruiting. There are stories (facts) which point to this. Having health issues itself is a disadvantage. No, I don't think anyone should be offended by this post. If Joe, or anyone, were to list Coaches advantages over CTF I'm sure the list would be longer.
We all know the Bear might have had another run at a title if those sanctions didn't come down. Bummer that.
Posted by: EricInNYC | January 26, 2011 at 02:35 PM