Tark’s team might pay visit to Las Vegas

Steve Addy

Wednesday, May 23, 2001 | 9:30 a.m.

If only for one night, Jerry Tarkanian might get to coach basketball in Las Vegas again.

Negotiations are under way for the former UNLV coach to lead his Fresno State team against Gonzaga as part of a college doubleheader on Dec. 8 at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Though an agreement with Mandalay Bay isn't finalized, Fresno State has signed on with Chicago-based promoter Gracedale Sports, according to Jack Fertig, the school's director of basketball operations.

"Tark definitely wants to play there," Fertig said Tuesday. "We would love to do this."

The other game will likely feature Southern Cal and an opponent yet to be determined, with Valparaiso a strong possibility, according to Scott Willard of Gracedale.

Gracedale's intention was to have UNLV play USC, and the Rebels were interested, but were unable to clear their schedule. They're already committed to play at Alabama-Birmingham on Dec. 8 in the Hardwood Classic, a one-night doubleheader similar to the Las Vegas Shootout.

"We tried to work it out, but we couldn't do it," UNLV senior associate AD Jerry Koloskie said.

Willard said he hopes to include the Rebels in future events, giving them a chance to play a "home" game while the Thomas & Mack Center is booked with the National Finals Rodeo.

"We want to involve UNLV for years to come," he said.

Marketing representative Gordon Absher of Mandalay Bay confirmed that negotiations are in progress with Gracedale, but said the hotel-casino has "nothing to announce at this time."

"We've been approached regarding hosting a college doubleheader in the Events Center on that date," Absher said. "We're considering that event right now, as well as other (entertainment) events.

"We haven't made any decisions."

If the doubleheader is played, it will be Tarkanian's first coaching appearance in Las Vegas since March 6, 1998, when UNLV defeated Fresno State in the WAC tournament semifinals.

In 19 seasons as the Rebels' coach, Tarkanian compiled a 509-105 record, including the 1990 NCAA championship.