The college basketball world has lost one of the most colorful and innovative coaches in the history of the game.
Former UNLV head coach and Basketball Hall of Fame member Jerry Tarkanian passed away Wednesday in Las Vegas. His son, Danny Tarkanian, announced the news on Twitter.
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Jerry Tarkanian coached at three Division-I schools and had a brief stint in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, but his legacy will be defined by the wonders he worked at UNLV.
He literally reinvented the Runnin’ Rebels, leading his team to the Final Four in his fourth season and leading the team to add “Runnin'” to its moniker after instituting a unique up-tempo offense. Tarkanian went on to lead UNLV from relative obscurity to an NCAA title and four Final Four appearances and finished his coaching career with 729-201 record.
Yet “Tark the Shark” was as controversial as he was successful. Tarkanian had continuous battles with the NCAA which came to a head in 1976, when the Runnin’ Rebels were put on two years’ probation. The NCAA even forced the school to suspend Tarkanian for two seasons, but he was reinstated following a 1977 court injunction.
Tark’s lasting legacy will be as a coach who wasn’t afraid to push the envelope, both on and off the court, and he’ll forever be remembered for his habit of chewing on a towel during games.
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Tarkanian had battled health issues for the last several years of his life but was on hand in 2013 for his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Thumbnail photo via Associated Press
