RIP Jerry Tarkanian - former UNLV Coach (NCAA, record, Champion)

[DRob4JC]

Jerry Tarkanian dies at 84; basketball coach turned UNLV into a force

He had been fighting an infection since he was hospitalized Monday in Las Vegas with breathing difficulties, his family said.

Tarkanian never had a losing record in 38 seasons, finishing 988-228 overall, with a major-college mark of 778-202. He won four California junior college state championships and four times led UNLV to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament.

He claimed one NCAA title victory on the basketball court, with his run-and-fun UNLV team of 1990.

Probably just as famed for his bouts with the NCAA during the 90s.

My guess is that he won't get the media gush of attention we saw a few days ago.

[Oildog]

For some reason I respected Tark more than the other guy. He seemed more real. R.I.P. Mr. Tarkanian.

[CHIP72]

Tark the Shark was a hell of a coach. You don't compete as a national power and regularly make Sweet 16 appearances or better in the NCAA while playing in a non-major conference if you aren't. And while he had great success at UNLV, he also had very good success at Long Beach State and solid success at Fresno State, meaning he did very well at three different non-major conference schools.

I'll always remember how hellish the 2-3 Amoeba match-up zone defense was for most teams playing against UNLV.

RIP Jerry Tarkanian

[Mathguy]

Anyone that gets 2.5million from the NCAA (aka college mafia) for standing up to them and then being targeted for reprisal is aces in my book.

Also, he took in a lot of guys that had troubled pasts that others wouldn't give a second glance.

Now that wasn't all altruism but it was what it was.

RIP.

P.S. He also tended to um....get caught a lot by the NCAA but hey....I kinda like that....others are better at hiding their dirty laundry.