Although not yet known to most residents of Cupertino, Haymore was about to have a big impact on the community. The Spiders, the newest member of the professional National Women's Basketball League—and who are to begin playing games in the De Anza College gym in January—had just named Haymore as their coach late in November.

Haymore would have brought a wealth of basketball experiences to the team and to Cupertino.

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Haymore, 48, played two years for the legendary coach, Bobby Knight, at Indiana University. He also helped Indiana win a national title his freshman year.

He finished his college basketball career at the University of Massachusetts. Drafted by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, Haymore survived late into training camp before being cut by the team. He then played professionally for several seasons overseas.

After concluding his playing career, the former center returned to Amherst, Massachusetts and started his own business.

Several years later, he returned to the game he loved as a coach. After coaching at the high school and college level, Haymore then took over a touring all-star team of NWBL players. The experience helped him catch the eye of the NWBL and land the Spiders' position.

In part, Haymore was drawn to the job because of the completeness of the women's game.

"[Women's basketball] is a more pure game," Haymore said in an interview with the Cupertino Courier last week. "It's more of a team game too. With men, sometimes all they want to do is run and jump."

He also added it was a huge honor to be offered the job.

Haymore is survived by his wife and grown children.