As Earl Boykins settles into his first full-time college assistant coaching job, he brings a simple message to the UTEP Miners basketball team.
At 5-feet, 5 inches tall, he's usually going to be the shortest man in the room, and he's also the one who achieved what most UTEP players dream of. He played in the NBA for 15 years.
"What I represent is no excuses," said Boykins, who was the second shortest player in NBA history. "When players see me and what I accomplished in basketball, it takes away any excuses anyone could have.