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StumblePublished Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 | 9:30 a.m.
Updated Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 | 8:57 p.m.
The one thing that makes the Mountain West Conference such a tough league is playing road games against high-altitude schools such as Air Force, Colorado State and Wyoming.
Even if those teams are having a down year, it's a challenge going into their buildings and coming out with a win.
That's what makes UNLV's victory against Colorado State on Wednesday so impressive. They adjusted to the altitude and were able to stick with their pressure defense and running game.
I had the same type of game plan of being a running team during my time at UNLV. But, whenever our teams played in the high altitude, I would let the elevation change bother me.
I always liked to take a walk around the arena before the game, and at those high-altitude schools, I would get tired. So I know it was a factor. If I was exhausted after a simple walk, how would my guys feel?
My assistants would tell me to stop thinking too much into it because I was psyching out the kids. But I had every reason to be concerned because you want your team to come out with great intensity.
Playing at the high altitude, however, makes you a step slower. I always had the feeling that my guys were getting tired, so I would run guys in and out to give them a break.
As for this year's UNLV team, I have seen just about every one of their league games. They aren't in bad shape, and they have played pretty good on the road.
Because of the altitude, it's important to win your home games. Those are the ones you have better control over.
The kid Tre'Von Willis is playing like a superstar for UNLV. He does everything and has been so impressive. And the UCLA kid Chace Stanback has been good lately. He's going to be a good player.
They have a big game Saturday against TCU and should win. It could be tough, but I think they can pull it out.
I'm sure everyone has heard about the negative comments I made last week about the NCAA while I was speaking in Arkansas.
I was paid to make a speech for about 30 minutes, and at the end, they opened it for questions. I shouldn't have made those comments about the NCAA, but I am still so bitter toward them. I wanted to just talk basketball, but I couldn't control myself.
you didn't say anything we didn't already know Tark!
Tark, you spoke the truth. You would only need to apologize if you were not telling the truth. If somebody wants to say you are lying, there are so many examples and facts to make them feel like idiots.
Tre'von is playing like Wink was supposed to play last year. I would love to see the bench shortened by at least 1(Chop) if not 3 until garbage time.
No one should question your comments regarding the NCAA, it is an old story that has been resolved in court. The only unfortunate thing about your comments is that more people haven't heard them. I like Tre' too, he's becoming a great scoring threat. If he can develop a 3-pt shot and improve his handle a bit I think he might even have a future in the big leagues, but that is my non-expert opinion. Thanks for all the wonderful years and all the great times at the T&M, coach.
And I hope you are getting a good laugh reading in the papers about USC and the "kid glove" treatment that institution is getting from the NCAA.
Coach, look forward to seeing you at the Mack again!
Question for your next column - What have been your interactions with Roy Williams because lately there have been a lot of stories about him being a complete dirtbag.
Actually also wondering about Coach Tark's take on Pitino and Calipari on and off the court.
You should never apologize for what the NCAA did to you. They broke up the greatest program in the country.
You made Rebel basketball the greatest show in town.
I have watched college basketball for 44 years now and the Runnin Rebels were the best team since the UCLA teams of Jabbar and Walton.
Thank you coach for everything you did on the court. The NCAA was out to get our program and they unjustly ran you out of Vegas.
All the best to you and stay healthy.
I would love to hear more of Coach's thoughts about the NCAA, and about the the multi-million dollar settlement he received from the NCAA after suing them in civil court in the 1990's.
It's interesting to read the court cases Tark filed against the NCAA back in the 1970's and early 1980's.
In one 1979 decision, the Supreme Court of Nevada states flat out that alleged recruiting violations at UNLV were investigated by the University, the Nevada State attorney general's office, and by the defendants in the case, the NCAA, and no evidence was found to support any of the allegations.
In fact, the NV Supreme Court stated in 1979 that the NCAA's sole charge against Tarkanian - for which the NCAA threatened the University with probation and other sanctions if the school didn't fire him - was the LACK of evidence of recruiting violations against him!
The NCAA investigators despite all evidence to the contrary decided that Tark had 'intimidated' the witnesses against him into silence, and therefore he must be guilty of recruiting violations!!
In true Orwellian fashion, the NCAA decided that the lack of evidence of recruiting violations was itself the best evidence of recruiting violations!
In typical UNLV fashion, the university caved to pressure from the NCAA bully and fired Tark, which he challenged in court proceedings that traveled all the way to the US Supreme Court which ultimately ruled against him on a procedural issue clearing the way for the NCAA to ban the 1992 team from post-season play, punishing players who were toddlers when the 1977 investigation occurred.
Everything Tark said about the NCAA in his Arkansas speech was probably putting it mildly when you take into account the abuse he suffered at their hands for decades.
Tark, I'm glad that you prevailed in your lawsuit vs. the NCAA. But the money will never restore the good name that you so richly deserve.
Most people only remember the headlines, and assume that your programs were dirty. It's upsetting to long-time followers, who know the truth. I can only imagine how infuriating it must be for you, Coach.
While the slander will taint your legacy forever, I hope you can take a little solace in the knowledge that there are Rebel fans out here who have nothing but the greatest respect and appreciation for the incredible job you did at UNLV.
Thank You...
Never ever apologize for making comments like that. The NCAA is exactly what you said about them and more.
The NCAA for all their posturing in saying it's about the kids and academics then rake in billions in fees. It's all about the money and the free labor the student-atheletes provide. Make the NCAA operate under the same rules any other business does, like paying their employees, workmans comp,providing benefits etc.
The fact that few people have a problem with the way the NCAA operates should be the most astonishing part.
Coach Tarkanian has a 1-2-2 zone tape that he created years ago when he used to play it. Does anyone have any idea how I could find that or a person to contact who would know this information. Thanks