Tarkanian healing, ready to celebrate

Even in retirement, Jerry Tarkanian was always on the run, traveling across the country and speaking to various groups. For the past few months, though, it has been a challenge for him to walk.

An assortment of health problems benched the former UNLV basketball coach for most of the summer.

Tarkanian, 79, needed a spinal operation July 15, and in separate incidents, he fell and cracked two ribs and broke his right shoulder. So now his daily schedule is highlighted by attending physical therapy, spending time with family and watching football on TV.

”I don’t get out a lot, and I’m tired,” he said from his Las Vegas home. ”This is a slow process. But I think I’m getting better. I feel pretty good.”

Tarkanian is encouraged by little improvements in his health, and he’s working toward a big event planned in November — a 20-year reunion for the Rebels’ 1990 national championship team.

UNLV will celebrate the anniversary of the 1989-90 team on Nov. 9 and 10 with a gala at Green Valley Ranch, and, following the annual Legends & Friends Golf Classic, Tarkanian and his former players will be honored at halftime of the Rebels’ exhibition game against Washburn (Kan.) on Nov. 10 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Several players from the championship team — including Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon, Anderson Hunt and David Butler — have committed to attend at least some of the events.

"I’ll definitely be there,” Tarkanian said. ”I’m really looking forward to it.”

UNLV coach Lon Kruger, entering his sixth season, has emphasized the importance of getting Tarkanian and former players more involved and honoring the program’s past.

The Rebels went 35-5 in the 1989-90 season and destroyed Duke 103-73 in the title game. UNLV returned to the Final Four in 1991 and finished 34-1.

"This team is one of the greatest college basketball teams of all time," Kruger said. "This is not only a special event for all of those ever directly involved in the program, but this is a special event for the entire Las Vegas community."

UNLV interim athletic director Jerry Koloskie, who was the athletic trainer for the national championship team, said: "It was an amazing team. The guys from the team are excited for the event and the opportunity to be together again."

Tarkanian, who coached the Rebels to a 509-105 record from 1973 to 1992, said his mobility is increasing and he expects to be in much better shape in about a month.

A large bone spur that was compressing his spinal cord was removed during the July surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital near San Diego. Before the surgery, he said he fell at his house and broke his shoulder in three places.

”The bone spur in my spine, that could have been critical,” he said. ”I just can’t do much with the right side of my body.”

Tarkanian has limited use of his right arm and is unable to drive. But he made his first extended trip in months last weekend, speaking at a coaching clinic in San Francisco before flying to fulfill another commitment in Wheeling, W.Va.

”It was nice to get out and talk to basketball people again,” he said. ”I’ve heard from a lot of players and a lot of coaches, so it’s very nice.”

• NOTES — UNLV is accepting registration for the anniversary gala and golf classic. For more information on the gala, call 702-895-3295, and contact the Rebel Athletic Fund at 895-4753 for golf reservations. … The Rebels open practice for the season Oct. 16, with a 9 p.m. session open to the public at the Thomas & Mack.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.