Robert Haynes, a former standout player and lead assistant, has been selected as the new head men’s basketball coach at Porterville College, athletic director Eric Mendoza announced Monday.
Haynes, who currently serves as a PC adjunct instructor in the physical education division and lone basketball coach on staff, will begin his new assignment in time for the fall semester which begins August 26.
"This is a dream come true for me," said Haynes, who becomes one of the youngest college coaches in California at age 31.
"Porterville College is a special place that means so much to my family. There are so many people on campus who are responsible for my success, so it’s an honor to be a colleague. As I continue to work with students and staff, I look forward to making Porterville proud of our basketball program."
Mendoza said the basketball position drew a lot of interest from experienced college coaches on the West Coast – including former head coaches and current assistants from NCAA, NAIA, and community college levels.
"Throughout a competitive search and interview process, Robert continued to rise to the top," Mendoza said.
"Our goal was to find a quality coach who represents the mission of Porterville College and someone who can guide our men’s basketball program in all areas of academics, competition, and citizenship. Robert has great character and demonstrates a passion for helping students from all walks of life. He understands campus operations and he loves the Porterville community that embraced him more than 10 years ago. We are tremendously excited about the future of PC basketball under Robert’s leadership."
Haynes, born in Brooklyn and raised in Far Rockaway, NY, originally came to California to play basketball at City College of San Francisco in 2001. The team won the Porterville College Tournament – his first visit to the campus – but an injury sidelined him for most of the season.
He later decided to transfer to PC, where he played for coach Scott Eitelgeorge during the 2003-04 season. Being 6-foot-6, Haynes was asked to make the move from guard to help at the post position.
He led the Pirates in rebounds and blocks, and ranked second in scoring and steals – on way to being voted 2004 Central Valley Conference All-Freshmen and All-Defensive Team, as well as First Team honorable mention.
Haynes was recruited by several four-year colleges, and accepted an athletic scholarship from NCAA Division II Colorado State University-Pueblo, where he played one season before returning to Porterville.
Haynes continued his college education and received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Chapman University. He also started a coaching career at Granite Hills High School with friend Bud Luther, serving as varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach.
He remained involved at PC, helping Mendoza with event management during home games for several years. After the 2008-09 season, Mendoza asked Haynes to coach the Pirates by himself, as the school spent the summer looking to fill a vacancy.
"I volunteered my time because of my loyalty to the college," Haynes said.
"The team needed some direction. I went to school here, so I felt a responsibility to help in any way I could. It was the right thing to do."
Haynes coached the team in the 2009 JUCO Summer Showcase at USC, but did not apply for the opening. He returned to Granite Hills, as PC hired T.J. Jennings – who resigned for family reasons, after a recent four-year stint.
Last season, Haynes served as PC’s lead assistant coach and adjunct instructor. He was in charge of fundraising and community outreach projects, as well as all practice and game responsibilities.
Haynes, who earned a master’s degree in kinesiology and physical education from Fresno Pacific University, will teach a health course at PC next semester. Last spring, Haynes taught in the physical education division at El Camino College in Torrance.
Currently, Haynes is teaching during PC’s summer session, running the Junior Pirates Basketball Camp, and preparing the team for this weekend’s summer showcase tournament at Cal Poly Pomona and Azusa Pacific University.
Haynes said his immediate plans include compiling a coaching staff with local connections and former college teammates, and bringing in new recruits.
He also serves as the college’s physical education instructor at the Porterville Development Center.
"Robert has a passion for basketball and student-athletes," said PC college president Dr. Rosa Carlson.
"He is a great role model to many young students as a true PC success story. Robert has a bright future and we look forward to many rewarding years ahead."
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