Blast From the Past! Check Out ’89-90 UTEP Basketball Trading Cards
While finding different things to do during quarantine, my parents took it upon themselves to clean out their garage and do some spring COVID-19 cleaning. My dad, Randy Broaddus, found his complete set of the 1989-90 UTEP basketball trading cards, which were printed by ABC-7 and Drug Emporium.
The trading card series featured the 1989-90 coaching staff, current players, players sitting out and "Star Miner" players. UTEP finished 21-11 (10-6 WAC) that season and ended up the WAC Tournament Champions despite finishing fourth in the league. They lost to No. 20 Minnesota (64-61 OT) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament that year.
Nonetheless, they had a stud group—Marlon Maxey (12.4 points per game), Antonio Davis (10.8 ppg, 7.5 rebounds), Greg Foster (10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Prince Stewart (8.6 ppg, 5.6 assists) and David Van Dyke (4.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg).
And talk about a lethal coaching staff! Head coach Don Haskins, assistants Norm Ellenberger, Rus Bradburd and Greg Lackey rounded out the staff.
As far as the great nuggets in these trading cards, most players and coaches gave a "Tip from the Miners: Stay in School" quote. My favorite came from The Bear himself: "I'm always the proudest of my players who finish school and graduate. I get madder at my guys for missing a school assignment than for missing a layup. Take a tip from me! Finish school."
From Dallas David's unique hairstyle to Jim "Bad News" Barnes' long bio on the backside of his card, this collection is a great trip back in time to remember some great UTEP players, staff members and past legends.