Tim Floyd’s Return To Miner Orangeville
Night has fallen and residents of Miner Orangeville have gathered, For dinner, drinks and a bit of laughter. They wait with anticipation to welcome Tim Floyd, They can’t wait for the return of the Sun City’s favorite boy.
He opens the door and walks into the Ale House. The applause that greets him might scare the bravest mouse. For an hour he was the audience’s, eager to be a part of the community. Each minute the building rapport created greater unity.
Floyd scans the crowd and smiles, ready to answer questions. Each week will bring another question and answer session. From 1978 to 1986, he was the Bear’s assistant coach. He moved onto other colleges and the NBA when he was approached.
Following Don Haskins, he said, would be a death sentence best avoided. Let other coaches follow first, he said, lest his own chance be voided. After 24 years away, the time was right to return. He and his wife Beverly were finally ready to plant their feet here.
In rapt silence the crowd listened, as Floyd talked about life, x’s and o’s. It was readily apparent of basketball he knows. A question was asked, why the scoreboard won’t show points scored by players. Floyd said it’s not because he’s a hater.
“So much of what we do is talk team, team, team, team, team,” Floyd explained. “Our theory is you got some guys trying to make it (to) the NBA.” Floyd said knowing they’re not scoring might lead to selfish play. He said, “Take five bad shots and all of a sudden you’re down by eight.”
The backs of players’ jerseys will be missing their names. Floyd said, “We’re playing for UTEP … Not playing for individual accolades.” Grinches that have wooed away previous coaches aren’t in the minds of Orangevillens. When you’re dreaming of wins and March Madness, who has time for villains?
Floyd doesn’t mind the weight of great expectations, he knows fans here are knowledgeable of the game. Excitement in Orangeville is feverish, not lame.
Miner fan Pat Flores has followed Miner basketball for 30 years, “When I found out he was coming, I said ‘oh my god, it’s great to have him here.'” Flores said even her friends who don’t normally go to games are scrambling for tickets. The Don Haskins Center will soon be a-rocking, there’ll be no sound by crickets.
“Welcome home,” was a familiar greeting for Floyd, before most questions asked. Flores said she has a feeling, “We’re going to kick ___.”
Related Links:Link:El Paso Becomes Miner Orangeville; City To Be Painted Orange For Tim Floyd’s DebutLink:C-USA Player Of The Year Culpepper Leads Senior-Laden MinersLink:1965-66 Texas Western Squad Changed Basketball LandscapeLink:Show Us Your Orange Out PicturesLink:Tim Floyd’s BioLink:Link:Former UTEP Great Greg Foster Returns To Miners As Undergrad Assistant Coach
