#Jerry Tarkanian: R.I.P.
The passing of Jerry Tarkanian at age 84 on Wednesday morning drew reaction from across the country.
Emotions were particularly strong in Las Vegas, where Tarkanian put the city on the sports map and made the Rebels one of the most popular programs of the era.
Nevada’s politicians joined prominent figures from the basketball world in sharing their thoughts on Tarkanian’s legacy:
▶ “Jerry Tarkanian was the patriarch of the legendary UNLV Runnin’ Rebels who built a dynasty that will leave a lasting legacy within college athletics. He was an innovative coach who mastered the amoeba defense and had an eye for talent, having recruited some of the league’s greatest players, and helped these superstars achieve their full athletic potential and realize the capacity of their gifts. Coach Tarkanian will be forever memorialized by sports fans across the nation as an iconic figure who changed the sport. Nevadans will remember him as a man who brought fame to our young UNLV and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His wife, Lois, and the entire family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”
— Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval
▶ “No one in Nevada history has been able to entertain crowds like Jerry Tarkanian and his legendary Runnin’ Rebels; this includes renowned Vegas entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cher and Celine Dion. We know the stories of Jerry on the court, they are renowned. But his work off the court has been just as important. Jerry taught young college athletes to be better people. Much of his success is a credit to his lovely wife, Lois, who invested her time to work with UNLV athletes in direct capacities, not the least of which was education. The Tarkanian family, from Jerry and Lois to their children and grandchildren, has dedicated their blood, sweat and tears to UNLV and to Las Vegas. Jerry’s Runnin’ Rebels, with their national championship and exciting play, put UNLV and Las Vegas on the map, and their impact isn’t going away any time soon. Jerry’s mark on American athletics is significant not only because of his coaching ability but also his fearlessness in taking on the brutal NCAA. They controlled, bullied and tried to embarrass him, but he never stopped fighting until they cried uncle. Jerry was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, which was long overdue. I have known Jerry, Lois and the Tarkanian family for many years. I know this is a difficult day for them, and my thoughts are with them. I hope they take solace in the memories and joy Jerry has brought us all.”
— Sen. Harry Reid
▶ “Today is a difficult day for Nevada, as we have lost one of basketball’s greatest trailblazers, legends, coaches, mentors and friends. Although Coach Tarkanian hasn’t nervously chewed on a towel in the ‘Shark Tank’ for more than two decades, he will remain a beloved figure in the Silver State and one the Nevada family will never forget. Undoubtedly, his influence in the world of basketball will be felt for years to come. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Coach Tark has a heavy heart today. Lois, the entire Tarkanian family and the UNLV community are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”
— Sen. Dean Heller
▶ “The UNLV community mourns the passing of Coach Jerry Tarkanian, and our condolences are with Jerry’s wife, Lois, and the Tarkanian family. Coach Tarkanian’s contribution to UNLV and Southern Nevada stretches far beyond the game of basketball. Many in Southern Nevada and around the nation were introduced to UNLV through Coach Tarkanian and the Runnin’ Rebels. He made Runnin’ Rebel basketball a brand name during his 19 years on campus, inspiring our community and creating a legacy that endures to this day. He will be deeply missed though fondly remembered as a college basketball icon and as one of the greats in our university’s history.”
— UNLV president Len Jessup
▶ “The qualities that make UNLV a great university — opportunity, self-determination and equality — are the same qualities that coach Tarkanian ingrained in his teams. The impact of coach’s contributions to our university, our community, his players and all of college basketball is immeasurable. He instilled in me a confidence and commitment to doing what I believe is right for all people I am around. He saw something in me and gave me my first opportunity in coaching, and I will be forever grateful. He will always be a part of UNLV, and our university is a better institution because of that. We are all saddened by this loss. Our deepest condolences to the Tarkanian family.”
— UNLV coach Dave Rice
▶ “It’s another sad day for those who love college basketball and the people who have contributed so much to our game. Tark was a great coach, better than people gave him credit for, and he loved college basketball. He was one of the few coaches who were successful playing more than one style. At Long Beach, he was low possession, walk it up the floor, zone defense, and at UNLV it was the Runnin’ Rebs. Not many coaches can change styles that dramatically. He coached some great teams, including the 1990 national champions. My Kansas team was fortunate to beat them that year in the Preseason NIT, but he was very gracious in complimenting us after that game. That began a great friendship. He allowed me to watch his teams practice when we were trying to get better in our team’s on-the-ball defense and always had a big smile for me when I would see him in Vegas. Our sympathies go out to his son, Danny, and all of the Tarkanian family.”
— North Carolina coach Roy Williams
Several UNLV and Tarkanian-related hashtags were trending on Twitter throughout Wednesday, with remembrances coming from a wide variety of sources:
▶ “Coach Tark, my father, the greatest man I have ever known, passed today, to take his place in heaven. I will miss him every day of my life.”
— Danny Tarkanian
▶ “Everyone loved Tark — family, community, players, students! He made a huge impact on the basketball world. UNLV=TARK”
— Kathy Olivier, UNLV women’s basketball coach
▶ “With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to legendary UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian. Our thoughts and prayers are w/ his family. #RIPCoachTark”
— U.S. Rep. Dina Titus
▶ “We loved you Tark. #UNLV”
— Jimmy Kimmel, TV host and comedian
▶ “Jerry Tarkanian was Mr Las Vegas in his big days coaching the Rebels. RIP TARK”
— Dick Vitale, college basketball analyst
▶ RIP Tark the shark! One of a kind. So glad he was inducted into the Hall!!!”
— Steve Lappas, college basketball analyst
▶ “The game of basketball lost a legend. Today UNLV great Coach Tarkanian passed but I’m honored to say I met him. His legacy lives on. #PrayersUp #RIP #RebelForLife”
— Anthony Bennett, Minnesota Timberwolves and former Rebel
▶ “Loved competing against Tark’s teams. A true legend and friend. Our sport and so many will miss you. #RIP”
— Bill Self, Kansas coach
▶ “RIP to 1 of the BEST Coaches, Mentors &Fathers in the World Coach Jerry Tarkanian. Thank u 4 giving Brothas a chance 2 better their lives.”
— Tracy Murray, college basketball commentator
▶ “Wouldn’t be in the NBA today if it wasn’t for you Coach Tarkanian. Thanks for all you did for my family, basketball, and the city of Fresno.”
— Quincy Pondexter, New Orleans Pelicans guard
▶ “R.I.P Coach Tark. You made us all fall in love with UNLV. Hopefully heaven has your towel waiting for you.”
— Donyell Marshall, retired NBA player
▶ “Heaven is fielding an unbelievable coaching roster, RIP Coach Jerry Tarkanian, one of the best.”
— Reggie Miller, NBA analyst
▶ “We lost a giant. Tark was a great man. His legacy is in how he impacted so many young men &their lives.”
— Rodney Terry, Fresno State coach
▶ “Saddened by the news of Coach Tark passing. Had the honor of meeting &holding several conversations with him in which I gained a new understanding of life &basketball every time. He gave the city of Las Vegas life when people only saw us as a tourist stop. His blueprint is one of the reasons I wanted to stay home &represent my city. Thank you for everything Coach”
— Anthony Marshall, former Rebel
▶ “RIP Tark. I never really enjoyed playing against his teams but I respected his willingness 2 work w kids that didn’t take the perfect path.”
— Bobby Hurley, Buffalo coach and former Duke guard
▶ “I can honestly say that Jerry Tarkanian was one of the most authentic people I’ve ever met in sports.”
— Colin Cowherd, ESPN radio host
▶ “Tark the Shark legend put UNLV on map. Trademark chewing towel. Wooden Dean &Tark coaching afterlife. Pray 4 him &family.”
— Digger Phelps, former Notre Dame coach and college basketball analyst
COMPILED BY ADAM HILL/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
