Las Vegas Sun

By Ron Kantowski · March 26, 2008 · 5:18 PM

Glen Gondrezick, the UNLV basketball legend and radio analyst who is awaiting a heart transplant at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, says he has heard from a lot of Rebels fans -- and one very big UCLA fan -- since being admitted to the hospital last Tuesday.

"Bill Walton called," he said.

Gondo also has heard from a lot of Rebels past and present, including Charlie Spoonhour, who preceded Lon Kruger as UNLV coach. He said the cards and well wishes he has received are much appreciated but reminds Rebels fans not to send flowers because, like goaltending, they are against the rules.

He has been classified 1-A -- the top of the list for transplant candidates needing donors -- after completing a battery of tests since being admitted. So now the waiting process can begin. Because he is such a big man, it will be hard to match a donor heart with Gondrezick, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 250 pounds. But should one be identified, the transplant process could begin immediately.

"I've got more tubes coming out of me than a 65-gallon aquarium," he said today, his sense of humor fully intact.

Other than all those UCLA doctors giving him a ration of grief, and one Duke one, who has clammed up after last weekend, Gondo is resting comfortably in good spirits.

Persons wishing to contribute to a fund to defray his medical expenses can contact any Bank of America branch and ask for the Glen Gondrezick or "Gondo" fund.

Cards and well-wishes can be sent to the UCLA Medical Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Suite 22499, Los Angeles, CA 90095.