My summer in San Diego and getting ready for another basketball season

Jerry Tarkanian

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

San Diego is so perfect in the summer.

I spent the last few months living at my condo in Pacific Beach and staying away from the brutal Las Vegas heat.

On most days, I went to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and bet on the horses. I didn’t win any money, but I didn’t lose, either, because I don’t bet big money. I just go to socialize and have made some really good friends there.

I started going to the track when I got out of coaching. I really enjoy the races and enjoy watching the horses run. It’s really soothing and relaxing.

Everyone knows I’m a San Diego Chargers football fan, and I’m shocked at how bad they have started the season (2-4). But I still think they can turn it around.

I love Dean Spanos and the Chargers’ ownership group. Every year, Dean invites me into the owner’s box for a game. He is a great friend.

The Chargers usually own the headlines in San Diego, but that might not be the case in the winter.

Everyone is real excited about the San Diego State basketball team. They have four of five starters coming back from last year. They had a super group last year in winning the league tournament and are expecting to be really good again.

The coaches say San Diego State and UNLV will be the top teams in the Mountain West.

I’m really excited to get out and watch UNLV play. People don’t realize how improved they will be on the inside. They have two red-shirt players who are going to make a difference. Carlos Lopez is 6-foot-11 and going to make a big impact.

And Quintrell Thomas from Kansas is tough. He came from a really good program and will be a great addition.

Like everyone else, I was shocked when I heard Tre’Von Willis ran into some trouble in the off-season. I thought he had a great attitude last year and was the real leader for the team.

His comments after the game, regardless of the outcome, were always perfect. Tre’Von has turned into a great player, and UNLV’s success this year will depend on Tre’Von coming back.

I know Lon (UNLV coach Kruger) feels good about the team. I like them, too. They are going to have a good year. It’s going to come down to them against San Diego State.

I’m in Oklahoma City this weekend for the Oklahoma State-Nebraska college football game. Along with five of my friends from Fresno, we try to make a game every year.

They have some of the best facilities in the nation here at Oklahoma State.

I have been following Travis Ford, the basketball coach here, since he played for Rick Pitino at Kentucky. He was a little guy but a great shooter.

When he got out of college, he got the job at Eastern Kentucky and nearly beat Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. They played a real tough game but got beat. Still, you could tell Travis was going to be a good coach.

He then went to UMass and did a good job. His dream job was at Kentucky, but that went to John Calipari and Travis ended up at Oklahoma State. He has done a tremendous job here and I really believe the program is only going to get better.

I know a lot of folks are wondering about my health. My legs still hurt and walking gets harder and harder, but overall I feel fine.

I missed hearing from all of those loyal Rebel fans that comment on my blog. I should have a new post two or three times each month during the season.