Hal Haskins

Harold F. "Sleepy Hal" Haskins (October 29, 1924 – May 31, 2003) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He was an All-American player for the Hamline Pipers who led the team to the 1949 NAIA National Championship. Haskins played professionally in the upstart National Professional Basketball League. He coached high school basketball in his native Minnesota for five years.

Playing career Haskins was a standout player at Alexandria Area High School. As a senior in 1943, Haskins led Alexandria to a state runner-up finish as Haskins led the tournament in scoring. He was the first ever Minnesota high school player to score 1,000 points in his career. Haskins earned the nickname "Sleepy Hal" while playing at Alexandria as his friends said his eyes drooped when he played. Following his graduation, he joined the Navy for three years. Haskins' teammate, Vern Mikkelsen, called Haskins "the best all-around player" he had ever played with.

Personal life Haskins suffered from Alzheimer's disease during the final years of his life. He died on May 31, 2003, in Arden Hills, Minnesota, after he had recently stopped eating.