Coach’s Growl Just a Whisper of Former Self

Laryngitis will force Texas-El Paso Coach Don Haskins to stay away from his team for as long as two weeks.

After Wednesday’s victory over Creighton, the 29-year Miners basketball coach said he felt “useless” because his voice is barely audible.

While Haskins takes a break, assistant coaches Norm Ellenberger, Rus Bradburd, Greg Lackey and G. Ray Johnson will run the team.

“I don’t like this, but I feel pretty useless,” Haskins said. “I will be in contact with the coaches while I am away.”

Haskins, nicknamed “The Bear” because of his courtside demeanor that includes a robust growl, said he didn’t know if he will attend Saturday’s game against Sam Houston State. If he does, he won’t sit on the team’s bench.